FREEHOLD — A South Brunswick police officer has admitted to stealing more than $75,000 from his local Policemen’s Benevolent Association chapter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said Friday.
Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree theft before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry Butehorn.
Authorities said the investigation began early last year after Gassman shoplifted bedding items worth $100 from a Target store in Ocean Township and left in a police vehicle.
A subsequent probe by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit found that Gassman, who had served as treasurer of his PBA chapter since 2009, had sole control over its finances and misappropriated more than $75,000 over a period of more than six years.
Prosecutors said Gassman used a PBA credit card for personal expenses and took cash proceeds from charity fundraisers and other events. The purchases included home goods and electronics, such as patio furniture, televisions, a microwave, luggage, and food, as well as items like propane gas and a home gym kit.
In one instance, officials said, Gassman used the PBA credit card to cover travel-related expenses for himself and another officer, then sought reimbursement from the police department for those same costs.
Investigators also found that he submitted falsified records to the PBA’s accountant to suggest he had repaid the funds and changed the credit card password when questioned by PBA leadership, preventing access to the account.
Gassman surrendered to authorities in July 2025.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 30. Prosecutors plan to seek a seven-year prison term, which could be reduced to five years if full restitution is made to the PBA and Target before sentencing. The state will also request that Gassman be barred from entering any Target stores.
Court orders permanently removing Gassman from public office and prohibiting him from possessing firearms were signed Thursday.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, who leads the Professional Responsibility Unit. Gassman is represented by attorney Mitchell Ansell of Ocean Township.
