Atlantic County Sheriff's Officer Charged with Official Misconduct; Theft

MAYS LANDING – An Atlantic County Sheriff’s Officer has been charged with official misconduct in connection with his position as President of the local Atlantic County Police Benevolent Association #243, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

On Thursday, June 11, Sheriff Officer John A. Brigandi, 43, of the 200 block of Marlyn Avenue, Hammonton was arrested and charged with:

1. Official Misconduct, 2nd crime;
2. Theft, 3rd crime;
3. Conspiracy to commit theft, 3rd crime and
4. Conspiracy to commit official misconduct, 2nd crime.

The charges allege that on or about March 12, 2015 Officer Brigandi and an accomplice, Amber M. Jacobs, 39 of the 4000 block of Starlifter Court, North Hanover Township, NJ conspired together to gain unauthorized access to Atlantic County PBA Local #243’s bank account by using an ATM bank card and withdrawing cash in an amount of over $1500.00.

On Friday, June 12, Amber M. Jacobs was arrested and charged with:

1. Theft, 3rd crime;
2. Conspiracy to commit theft, 3rd crime and
3. Conspiracy to commit official misconduct, 2nd crime.

Brigandi’s bail was set at $25,000 by Superior Court Judge Mark Sandson. Brigandi posted bail and was released after processing.

Jacobs was released on her own recognizance after processing.

Official misconduct, a crime of the second-degree, carries a state prison sentence of 5- 10 years and up to $150,000 in fines.

These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.