FREEHOLD, N.J. (AP) - A former municipal judge has admitted falsifying records as part of a five-year ticket-fixing scheme that funneled more than $500,000 to the New Jersey municipalities he served.
Richard Thompson worked in nine Monmouth County towns before he was suspended in October 2015.
Authorities say that from 2010 to 2015, Thompson converted roughly 4,000 motor vehicle ticket fines to contempt of court sanctions without any legal basis to do so. Thompson admitted Friday that was done to steer money to the towns he served.
State law mandates revenue from motor vehicle fines is split equally between the county and municipality. But contempt of court fines exclusively go to the towns.
The 62-year-old Middletown resident also admitted altering documents after citizens and attorneys had left the courtroom.
Thompson’s plea deal calls for him to receive probation.
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