TUCKERTON – A Borough of Tuckerton Utilities Collector has been criminally charged after using of $10,000 worth of utility payments for her personal benefit, officials said.
Jennifer Docherty, 46, of West Creek, was charged with Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition in connection with her position as Utilities Collector for the Borough of Tuckerton.
According to authorities, Docherty failed to turn over proceeds from the collection of tax, water, and sewer payments between June 2018 and June 2023, which totaled to over $10,000.
Instead, Docherty used the money for her own personal benefit, officials said.
On November 20, Docherty surrendered herself to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in the presence of her attorney. She was processed and served with the charge via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Docherty has been placed on administrative leave by the Borough of Tuckerton during this investigation.
Any residents who have any information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Detective John Halliday of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027 ext. 3533, or Detective David Order of the Tuckerton Police Department at 609-296-9417.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards/Corruption Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Tuckerton Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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