submitted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office

A former Brigantine police officer was charged last week with theft as a result of an investigation conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Official Corruption Unit.

Gary Means, 51, of Blackwood, was charged Aug. 18 with third-degree theft by failure to make required disposition. Means formerly served as the treasurer of the Brigantine Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local No. 204. From May 2010 until June 2011, Means allegedly stole funds from the PBA and converted them to personal use.

 

Upon discovery of the theft, the PBA notified the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Official Corruption Unit conducted an investigation.

On Aug. 23, Means was processed and released on a summons to appear in court on Sept. 1.

These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.  

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office website at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at (609) 652-1234 or (800) 658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.