Former assistant code official charged with misconduct

Nov, 11-2009 12:38 pm

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – A former Hamilton Township assistant construction code official was charged Nov. 6 with one count of second-degree official misconduct for allegedly taking cash for permits totaling nearly $12,000 for her own personal use, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel said.

Lisa Hare, 41, of Hamilton Township allegedly took the cash from the Hamilton Township construction office that was received for construction and building permits instead of making required deposits in township bank accounts.

It is further alleged that Hare did so on numerous occasions between April of 2004 and February of 2007, Assistant Prosecutor Curt Baker said.

Hare left her job in 2007 and financial discrepancies were brought to the attention of the Hamilton Township Police Department in 2009.

She is currently employed by the city of Wildwood as a confidential aide to Commissioner William Davenport and works out of the combined Construction Office of the Wildwoods.

North Wildwood Business Administrator Ray Townsend said Hare was supposed to begin work soon with the new North Wildwood construction office, set to open Dec. 31, when North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest withdraw from the combined construction office arrangement, but that Hare now has withdrawn from that new position.

Hare turned herself in to the Hamilton Township Police Department Nov. 6 and was released on a summons.

Hamilton Township Detective Sgt. Anthony Alcott conducted the investigation with assistance from Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Joseph Pepe of the Official Corruption Unit.

If indicted and convicted, Hare could face up to 10 years in prison.

Staff Writer Carole Mattessich contributed to this story.