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Veteran
N.J. police officer charged with stealing $75K from union after shoplifting probe
Jul. 16, 2025
Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, was charged with second and third-degree official misconduct, second and third-degree theft by deception, third-degree hindering apprehension, fourth-degree falsifying records, and shoplifting, a disorderly persons offense, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Earlier this year, Gassman shoplifted bedding items valued at about $100 from an Ocean Township department store and then left the scene in his police vehicle, the office said.
The investigation went on to find that Gassman, who has served as his local Police Benevolent Association (PBA) chapter’s treasurer since 2009, stole more than $75,000 from the organization in different ways over the last six years, officials said.
Gassman used the PBA credit card to make personal purchases and stole cash proceeds from PBA charity fundraisers and other events, investigators said.
These personal purchases included a wide range of home-improvement items, such as patio furniture, storage containers, vacuums, propane gas, a leaf blower, televisions, a home gym kit, a microwave, luggage, and food, the office said.
On one occasion, Gassman used the credit card to purchase lodging, parking, gas, and food for himself and another officer on a business trip, then submitted a purchasing order to the South Brunswick Police Department seeking reimbursement, authorities said.
Gassman also was accused of submitting documents to the PBA’s accountant falsely indicating that he had paid back personal purchases, the office said. He also allegedly changed the password to the PBA’s credit card when asked questions by the PBA’s leadership, effectively locking them out.
Gassman turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday and was lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending future proceedings, officials said.
South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond J. Hayducka said in a statement that Gassman was suspended without pay.
“The standard for suspending a police officer without pay in New Jersey is a high bar to achieve, and I did not make this decision without a careful review of the facts and circumstances, which led me to conclude that the immediate suspension was necessary to maintain safety, health and order of effective police services,” Hayducka said. “The accusations and arrest of Jason Gassman is extremely disappointing to me and all members of the agency.”
