NJ County Commissioner Faked Veteran Status On Tax Return, State Says

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Sussex County commissioner has been accused of faking his veteran status on his tax return, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

William Hayden, 58, of Branchville, is charged by indictment with one count of filing a fraudulent tax return, a third-degree charge.

According to court documents, on July 14, 2020, Hayden filed a phony tax return to avoid paying taxes, filling in false information regarding his veteran status, authorities said.

In addition, Hayden helped his wife with her tax return, falsely marking that she was a spouse of a veteran, further indicating that Hayden had served in the military, according to investigators.

Hayden is not a veteran, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

The stolen valor resulted in Hayden receiving a $6,000 exemption he was not entitled to, avoiding approximately $382 in taxes, officials said.

"Our tax system relies on everyone filing a true and accurate tax return,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin. “Fraudulently claiming an exemption reserved for military veterans is something we will not tolerate.”

Hayden faces up to five years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.

Hayden has served as a Sussex County Commissioner since 2023 and is Liaison to Andover Borough, Andover Township, Green Township, and Hopatcong, according to the county’s website.

His term is set to expire at the end of this year.