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Morris Plains Police Department

531 Speedwell Avenue
Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Press Release

The following taken from the Office of the Morris County Prosecutor at MorrisProsecutor.org

Police Lieutenant Pleads Guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking
MORRISTOWN: A former Morris Plains police lieutenant pleaded guilty today to three counts of theft by unlawful taking after authorities said he submitted fraudulent clothing vouchers.

Michael Womer, who left the job in October 2008, submitted fraudulent invoices in 2007, 2006 and 2005 when seeking clothing allowance reimbursements. The borough has an annual clothing allowance of up to $800 for department-approved attire and other items. The theft totaled $679.95 over a three year period.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., said, "Lt. Womer took an oath that every law enforcement officer takes. He violated that oath when he submitted fraudulent documents over a three year period seeking reimbursement of tax payer money for items which were not approved equipment purchases by his department.

"While these acts are disorderly persons offenses, the public nevertheless has a right to expect that our law enforcement officers will be held to a higher standard. The public must have the utmost confidence in our law enforcement officers and when that confidence is broken by a violation of the law it must be dealt with in a decisive way, and not by turning our heads to their transgressions.

"To that end, Lt. Womer now has three convictions on his record. His reputation in the community is sullied. He will pay restitution for the amount of money that he misappropriated and he has forfeited public office and his public jobs for the rest of his life. He will perform 500 hours of community service, which represents approximately 10 times the community service for cases of a similar nature committed by non-law enforcement individuals.

"We believe that this plea strikes an appropriate balance. He is being punished for his transgressions. But the punishment is measured to fairly fit the crimes he admitted to.

"Justice would not be served by asking the court to imprison this defendant.

"While the vast majority of our law enforcement professionals act in the best interest of the people they serve, we do from time to time have officers who act inappropriately.

"I have the utmost confidence in the Morris Plains Police Department, which assisted our agency throughout this investigation. It is clear to me that this is a very isolated and regrettable aberration for that department.

"The cooperation that they provided to my agency showed the professionalism and high standards that they demand of their officers. They should be applauded for their work and assistance on this case.

"I personally want to thank Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Weber, Esq., Lt. Michael Rice and Detective Dan Henderson, both of my office's Professional Standards Unit, Morris Plains Police Chief Jim Abbondanzo and police Lt. Scott Thompson for their dedication to bring this matter to a successful conclusion," Bianchi said.

Filed December 23, 2008 by Agent Bill Swayze
Contact: wswayze@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 285-6200

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