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NJ Health Officials Charged in Overtime Fraud Scheme
Two senior employees from the City of Trenton’s Bureau of Environmental Health face federal charges for allegedly inflating overtime during critical public health operations.
NEW JERSEY - In a significant breach of public trust, two senior officials from the City of Trenton’s Bureau of Environmental Health have been charged with embezzling tens of thousands of dollars through fraudulent overtime claims associated with lead inspections and meal deliveries for the needy. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the charges following their initial court appearance.
Martin Moore, 59, of Florence, and Andre Trott, 51, of Ewing, face accusations of conspiracy to embezzle and steal more than $5,000 from city funds, a sum dedicated to crucial public health services. Moore, who also faces charges of making false statements to federal investigators, and Trott were released on $50,000 unsecured bonds after their hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni.
Details of the Scheme
The alleged conspiracy came to light following a detailed investigation by federal agencies including the FBI and the Environmental Protection Agency. Reports indicate that from February 2018 through May 2022, Moore and Trott, along with other team members, inflated the hours they reported on city-funded projects to conduct lead inspections in homes where children had shown high lead levels.
Additionally, from April 2020 to May 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are accused of falsifying overtime claims for delivering meals to Trenton’s most vulnerable populations under a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funded program.
Legal Proceedings and Pleas
In a detailed federal complaint, authorities outlined how Moore directed his team to fabricate overtime hours to garner illicit payments, significantly overreporting the time spent on field duties. The revelations have also led to guilty pleas from other implicated staff members, including Michael Ingram, William Kreiss, and Meraj Fatima, who are now awaiting sentencing.
Federal Investigations and Penalties
The case, spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden, has garnered significant attention due to the misuse of federal funds intended for community health and welfare. Moore faces up to ten years in prison and a $500,000 fine, while Trott could face a five-year term and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
As the legal process unfolds, the Trenton community and its leaders are grappling with the implications of this breach involving personnel entrusted to safeguard the health of its residents. U.S. Attorney Sellinger emphasized the commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring integrity to public service programs.
The charges and allegations stated are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is a stark reminder of the vigilance required in managing public funds and the ongoing efforts of federal agencies to ensure accountability in government operations.
