Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability (OPIA) have announced criminal charges against Timothy Morris, a lieutenant in the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). Morris, who served as NJDOC's Range Master, is accused of stealing state-owned ammunition and selling it for profit.

Morris, 56, from Bayville in Ocean County, New Jersey, faces charges of official misconduct and theft, both second-degree offenses, as well as structuring financial transactions, a third-degree offense. These charges follow an investigation by OPIA’s Corruption Bureau, the New Jersey State Police, and NJDOC’s Special Investigations Division.

In his role as Range Master since 2008, Morris was responsible for managing firing ranges and maintaining ammunition inventory. The investigation alleges that he ordered excess ammunition to sell on the secondary market for personal gain.

Attorney General Platkin stated: "As the allegations in this case show, corruption is an expensive drain on public resources and victimizes taxpayers. My office refuses to accept that as business as usual." He added that Morris allegedly abused his position to conceal financial transactions designed to avoid detection.

Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA, remarked: "As alleged, the defendant saddled the taxpayers of New Jersey with funding his unlawful side business while he pocketed the profits."

NJDOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn expressed concern over the breach of trust: “Correctional police officers are sworn to uphold the law and when they violate their oath it erodes public trust.”

The investigation revealed Morris profited over $475,000 through this scheme. It is further alleged that he structured bank transactions to evade reporting requirements by cashing multiple checks below reporting thresholds.

Second-degree charges could result in five to ten years in prison with fines up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry potential sentences of three to five years with fines up to $15,000.

The Attorney General acknowledged contributions from the New Jersey State Police’s Official Corruption Bureau and NJDOC’s Special Investigations Division for their investigative efforts.

These accusations remain allegations until proven in court. Deputy Attorney General Richard Bobbe will prosecute under supervision from senior officials at OPIA.

No defense counsel has been listed for Morris at this time.