Relatives of 22-year-old Mortimer Wortman say the promised reward donation was not fulfilled
Jackson, N.J. — The family of a 22-year-old Jackson man missing for more than four months publicly accused Mayor Jennifer Kuhn of failing to honor a $1,000 pledge to help fund efforts to locate him.
During a tense township council meeting, relatives of Mortimer Wortman said both Kuhn and Councilman Chris Pollak had committed to contributing $1,000 toward a reward, but only Pollak followed through, prompting frustration and emotional appeals for accountability.
Family demands accountability over pledge
Wortman’s family described the situation as a failure of leadership at a time when community support is critical, noting the ongoing effort to raise awareness and funds independently.
“Promises were made publicly… to each contribute $1,000 towards the reward,” a family member told the council. “Councilman Pollak, you followed through. Thank you.”
They argued the issue goes beyond money, framing it as a question of trust and public responsibility.
“This is not simply about $1,000. It’s about integrity… and whether the people elected to lead this township are willing to stand by their word,” the family said.
Mayor disputes claim, cites legal guidance
Mayor Kuhn responded during the meeting, disputing the characterization and stating she sought legal guidance before making any contribution tied to a reward.
“I followed my attorney’s rules and regulations,” Kuhn said, adding that she had concerns about how funds should be handled and documented, particularly if tied to a formal reward. “You’re making me look like a horrible person.”
“I was the only one with boots on the ground in this room,” the mayor told the family as she continued arguing with the family and the mother of the missing man.
Kuhn said she had discussed the matter with Pollak and attempted to ensure any contribution complied with legal and procedural requirements. However, Kuhn confirmed she never made the $1,000 pledge, instead said she mobilized the police department to help in the search.
Emotions escalate during public comment
The exchange grew heated as family members pushed back, arguing that urgency and compassion should outweigh procedural concerns.
“This is out of your pocket… you could have handed the $1,000 just like Chris did,” one speaker said.
Family members emphasized that Wortman has been missing for 144 days and questioned why broader awareness efforts, including public displays, took so long to materialize.
“What if this was your child?” a relative asked council members.
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Key Points
• Family says Mayor Kuhn failed to fulfill $1,000 reward pledge
• Mayor cites legal concerns and says she followed attorney guidance
• Missing 22-year-old Mortimer Wortman has been gone for 144 days
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Ongoing search and community efforts
Wortman’s disappearance has prompted grassroots efforts, including fundraisers and awareness campaigns led largely by family and community members. Relatives said those efforts have continued “not because of strong municipal leadership, but in spite of its absence,” urging officials to take a more active and visible role.
They also called on the full council to ensure that public commitments made by elected officials are honored.
What happens next
No formal council action was taken regarding the dispute during the meeting, and no changes to township involvement in reward funding were announced.
The investigation into Wortman’s disappearance remains active, with his status unchanged as of April 15 and no confirmed resolution in the case.