Former Brick Recreation Director Admits Stealing Cash Permit Fees

BRICK, NJ — The former director of the Brick Township Recreation Department has pleaded guilty to theft in connection with permit fees paid by private organizations to rent fields in the township, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday.

Daniel Santaniello, 46, pleaded guilty to theft before Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 31, at which time the state will be requesting a term of 180 days in prison with probation.

Santaniello was required to resign from his position with Brick Township and forfeit any and all future public employment, Billhimer said. Santaniello has paid full restitution of about $9,260, he said.

As recreation director, Santaniello was responsible for issuing permits to private organizations for using the township’s recreational facilities, including its various softball fields. Private organizations wishing to use the fields were charged fees for their usage.

Investigators found Santaniello required certain organizations wishing to use the township’s fields to pay him directly in cash instead of writing checks to the township, and gave them fraudulent permits. Instead of depositing the cash into the township’s accounts, Santaniello kept the cash for himself.

Santaniello was arrested at his home on July 17 by detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Brick Township Police Department.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler handled the case. The prosecutor’s office Economic Crime Squad and the Brick Township Police Department and its Internal Affairs Unit and Detective Bureau investigated.