Wall Police Chief: Department 'Committed To Building Trust'

WALL, NJ — Police Chief Sean O'Halloran addressed the Wall community about the admission this week by a former sergeant to the theft of $115,000 from local charities.

James R. Cadigan, 41, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Superior Court to second- and third-degree theft from several charities, including the Wall PBA.

"The actions of this officer completely go against what we stand for," O'Halloran said on the department's social media site. "Police officers are held to a higher standard, and while employed as a police officer, James Cadigan violated the oath he swore to uphold, and the trust that was placed in him by his fellow officers, civilian staff, and Police Benevolent Association."

Cadigan admitted to stealing from such charities as the local Police Benevolent Association chapter, a youth football nonprofit organization and charitable campaigns intended for breast cancer research and to benefit the survivor of a serious neurological injury, the prosecutor said Wednesday.

O'Halloran praised other officers in the department:

"I want to praise the officers of the Wall Township Police Department who came forward and reported these crimes immediately upon learning of them, even when it involved one of their fellow officers. That shows their commitment to our agency, our town and to always doing what is right," he said.

He also thanked the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Professional Responsibility Unit for its "professionalism and thoroughness throughout this investigation. This was a very complex and time-consuming investigation, which they did without hesitation," O'Halloran said.

"Finally, to the people of Wall Township, James Cadigan’s actions do not reflect the integrity, commitment and professionalism of the women and men of the Wall Township Police Department. We are committed to building your trust and providing you with the best public safety services possible," O’Halloran said.

Cadigan had been been suspended without pay since first charged, in December 2022.

During Wednesday's hearing before Judge Christie Bevacqua, an order was finalized barring Cadigan from ever again holding public office in the State of New Jersey.

The Public Office Forfeiture Order was effective Dec. 20, O'Halloran said.

"As such, Mr. Cadigan is no longer employed by the Township of Wall," he added.

Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for March 14. The state will recommend a sentence of eight years in state prison, with the possibility of a reduction to five years, contingent upon full payment of restitution: approximately $91,500 to the PBA and $24,200 to the AYF, the prosecutor's office said.