White Collar Crime News

Bay Head police chief relieved of duty while investigation continues January 17, 2011

 Police Chief Charles Grace Jr., 50, of the Bay Head Police Department was relieved of duty Saturday by Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford as part of an ongoing investigation.  Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Prosecutor’s Office said Grace was charged in a complaint filed by Detective Ray Gardner, also of the Prosecutor’s Office. The complaint stated that in an investigation beginning April 10, 2007, Grace unlawfully took more than $500 in money belonging with Bay Head-Mantoloking Police Benevolent Association.  Mohel has been named acting chief of police by Ford until the Borough Council can take action.  The State has not revealed the exact amount of money allegedly taken.  No word on when Grace was notified of the investigation or whether Grace has an attorney.
Grace was chief of police since 2005 and was president of the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association in 2010.  Mohel said day-to-day operations of the department will be handled by Bay Head police officers Lt. Robert Hoffman, Sgt. First Class Geoffrey Barger and Sgt. William Hoffman, who have all been with the department for more than 20 years.  When a chief police administrator is removed from position in a town, Mohel said the prosecutor appoints someone to temporary command until the Borough Council can take further action, which should occur within  about three weeks.

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