NJ Chief Accused of Using Department Funds for Personal Items

A suspended Middlesex County fire chief was accused this week of stealing thousands of dollars from his department, authorities said.

James Carbin III, 55, of Clarksburg, the chief of Monroe Fire District No. 2, is charged with theft by deception and theft of services, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday.

In February 2022, district fire commissioners noticed discrepancies with their financial invoices, where taxes were being paid on items even though they are a tax-exempt entity, according to a statement from the office.

An internal affairs investigation found Carbin was purchasing personal items with fire department funds, the office alleged. They discovered that from 2019 to 2022 he bought at least $2,173 in personal items using the stolen monies.

He was placed on administrative leave in April and is currently suspended without pay, the office said.

Investigators also found that Carbin had directed on-duty firefighters under his supervision to complete work outside of their job duties for his personal benefit, authorities said. No other specific details were released Wednesday evening.

The investigation into Carbin’s alleged activities was ongoing and anyone with information was asked to call Detective Marcus Goode of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4274.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at [email protected].

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