South Brunswick Police Officer Charged In A Years-Long Pattern Of Theft
Friday, July 18, 2025, 2:40 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ.- A 53-year-old former South Brunswick Police Officer is facing nearly two decades in New Jersey State Prison after being formally charged on Wednesday in connection with a years-long pattern of thefts, including an Ocean Township, New Jersey shoplifting incident, and after stealing merchandise, drove away in his police vehicle.Â
According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymend S. Santiago, Abraham “Jason” Gassman, 53, was formally charged with second-degree Official Misconduct; second-degree Theft by Deception; third-degree Hindering Apprehension; third-degree Official Misconduct; third-degree Theft by Deception; fourth-degree Falsifying Records; and a disorderly persons offense for Shoplifting.
According To The Prosecutor’s Office
According to a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office, an investigation led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit revealed earlier this year that Gassman shoplifted bedding items valued at approximately $100 from a department store in Ocean Township, New Jersey, and then left the scene in his police vehicle.
The investigation went on to find that Gassman had served as his local PBA Union Chapter’s Treasurer since 2009, exercising complete control over its finances, and in that capacity, allegedly stole more than $75,000 from the PBA in various ways for over six years, including using the PBA credit card to make personal purchases and stealing cash proceeds from PBA charity fundraisers and other events.
These personal purchases include 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. On one occasion, the investigation revealed that Gassman used the PBA’s credit card to purchase lodging, parking, gas, and food for himself and another Police Officer on a business trip, then submitted a purchase order to the Police Department for reimbursement.
The investigation further uncovered that Gassman submitted documents to the PBA Accountant falsely indicating that he had paid back the personal purchases, and also changed the password to the PBA’s credit card when asked questions by the PBA’s leadership, basically locking them out from gaining access to information regarding the account.
Gassman Surrenders To Detectives on Wednesday
Gassman surrendered himself to Detectives on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and was processed on the charges. Following being processed, Gassman was remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending future court proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold, New Jersey.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”