HACKENSACK, N.J. — A former Bergen County employee has been arrested in connection with the theft of county-owned tools and equipment, authorities said.
Charles T. Gatt, 44, of Sparta, New Jersey, was taken into custody following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Squad, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Officials launched the investigation after an audit by the Bergen County Department of Parks uncovered missing items, including chainsaws, a large woodchipper, and a 20-foot dual-axle trailer.
On January 14, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of the missing equipment and initiated a probe. Investigators determined that Gatt, a former employee of the department, was responsible for the thefts.
On February 11, detectives executed search warrants at Gatt’s residence, multiple vehicles, and an additional property in Sparta Township. Authorities recovered the stolen county equipment along with 17 unregistered firearms, including a loaded handgun that was left unsecured inside the home.
Gatt’s arrest follows a broader effort by county officials to ensure accountability in public property management.