Ex-Bradley Beach Fire Department Treasurer sentenced for embezzlement

A Neptune woman will spend three years in prison after sentencing for stealing $40,000.00 during her tenure as treasurer of the Bradley Beach Fire Department between May of 2016 and December of 2017, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni.

Christine Paladino, 41, of Cookman Avenue in the Ocean Grove section of the township, must serve two years before becoming eligible for parole because she was a public official, and must also pay $40,000.00 back in restitution.

Her state prison sentence was handed down on Friday, January 4 before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Richard W. English.

The sentence follows a guilty plea made by Paladino in August to one count of third-degree theft by deception.

In pleading guilty, Paladino admitted that she took over $40,000.00 through checks, debit card charges and ATM withdrawals.

She will be prohibited from holding any public office in the future as part of her plea agreement.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joshua D. Detzky.

Paladino is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq., of Ocean Township.

In November 2012, under the leadership of Prosecutor Gramiccioni, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office launched a Corruption Tip Line designed to solicit the public's assistance in identifying and targeting corruption, fraud, and misconduct occurring in local governmental agencies.

Citizens may report concerns via the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Corruption Tip Line - 855-7-UNJUST (855-786-5878) or Email - corruption@mcponj.org (write "Corruption/Misconduct Tip" in the subject line).

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