FREEHOLD, NJ – John O’Donnell, 57, of Scotch Plains, Union County, faces charges of second-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking, third-degree Forgery, and third-degree False Uttering, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Thursday.
O’Donnell, former CFO of a low-income housing high-rise in Long Branch, is accused of embezzling over $1.6 million from Washington Manor over 14 years.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Bureau began its investigation in June 2023 following an internal audit by Washington Manor, which manages 100 units for seniors and disabled individuals on Ocean Boulevard.
Investigations revealed unauthorized checks totaling over $1.6 million issued by O’Donnell to his construction firm from February 2009 to May 2023, many with forged signatures. Additionally, O’Donnell made unauthorized personal purchases exceeding $30,000 with a company credit card from December 2020 to May 2023.
Charged via summons, O’Donnell is scheduled for a first court appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court on Tuesday, February 20.