May 17, 2011By JESSICA MASULLI
SPARTA — Brian Brady, a former mayor and councilman of Sparta, was placed on administrative leave from his position of police captain of the New Jersey Human Services Police Tuesday while he faces charges of submitting false timesheets and firearms qualification certificates, and misusing police search databases, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Brady, the third highest ranking officer in the Human Services Police, was charged with three counts of second-degree official misconduct and one count of second-degree pattern of official misconduct. The Human Services Police provide services to the developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals operated by the Department of Human Services.
If convicted, Brady could face maximum sentences of 10 years in state prison on each official misconduct charge and a consecutive sentence on the pattern of official misconduct charge. This includes five years without possibility of parole, according to the Attorney General.
Brady’s attorney, Mario Iavicoli, disputed the charges and said Brady was being retaliated against for complaining to superiors about having to take on extra responsibilities, the Associated Press said.
Brady pleaded not guilty in court, his attorney said, and was released without having to post bail, according to the Associated Press.
Brady, who earns a salary of $101,000, allegedly took personal time off and falsified timesheets to say that he had worked, the Attorney General’s Office said.
“On some of these personal trips, including travel outside of the state of New Jersey, he allegedly used a state vehicle and state-issued E-Z pass,” the Attorney General’s Office said.
Iavicoli said Brady drove the state vehicle when he was on call, at odd hours, and actually gave back vacation time that he didn’t use, according to the Associated Press.
Brady is also alleged to have done police background checks for a team’s manager on every member of a minor league baseball team. He is also alleged to have checked the database for a vehicle he wanted to purchase and to have falsified his own qualifications to use a firearm.
“The police database is to be used strictly for criminal justice purposes and not to be used for personal gain,” the Attorney General’s Office said.
Iavicoli said authorities were going overboard in charging Brady for doing an improper background check that Brady thought would “benefit the community,” according to the Associated Press.
“He thought he had the discretionary right to do the lookup,” Iavicoli said. “We believe they wanted to replace him and this is the method they are using.”
Messages left on Brady’s cellphone were not returned.
The charges stemmed from an ongoing investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau and New Jersey Department of Human Services, to which Brady’s department provides police services. The Department of Human Services suspended Brady until a hearing.
“The police captain allegedly abused his office by falsifying and misusing official records to serve his own purposes,” said Attorney General Paula Dow. “There is no room for dishonest conduct on the part of a sworn law enforcement officer.”
Criminal Justice Director Stephen J. Taylor said that police officers must be held to higher standards.
Brady was on the Sparta Township Council for four years starting in 2006. Under his term, Brady and two other council members, Michael Spekhardt and Manny Goldberg, acted together to approve the purchase of the Limecrest Quarry for $2.45 million, create a garbage utility and resulting townwide referendum, and contract local health services out to the county. Public outcry over many of the council's decisions led in 2008 to recall petitions for the three council members. The petition petitions failed to get the required number of signatures in time. Brady did not run for re-election in 2010.
Showing posts with label Z) New Jersey Corruption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Z) New Jersey Corruption. Show all posts
20110517
N.J. human services police captain is charged with falsifying time sheets
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/05/nj_human_services_police_capta.html
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
By Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau The Star-Ledger
Trenton - — A high-ranking official with the Department of Human Services police force was arrested today and charged with faking time sheets and misusing police databases, state authorities announced.
Capt. Brian Brady claimed to be working when he was away on personal trips, where he used his state vehicle and state-issued E-Z Pass transponder, authorities said.
They also said he used a police database to run background checks on every member of a minor league baseball team to help out the team's manager. He also scoped out a vehicle he was interested in buying.
“This police captain allegedly abused his office by falsifying and misusing official records to serve his own purposes,” Attorney General Paula Dow said in a statement. “There is no room for dishonest conduct on the part of a sworn law enforcement officer.”
Authorities said Brady, 49, of Sparta is the third-highest ranking official in the Human Services police force, which is responsible for psychiatric hospitals and facilities for the developmentally disabled.
He was previously a councilman and the mayor in Sparta in Sussex County.
He is charged with three counts of official misconduct and one count of a pattern of official misconduct.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
Authorities said the case is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Division of Criminal Justice and the Department of Human Services.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
By Chris Megerian/Statehouse Bureau The Star-Ledger
Trenton - — A high-ranking official with the Department of Human Services police force was arrested today and charged with faking time sheets and misusing police databases, state authorities announced.
Capt. Brian Brady claimed to be working when he was away on personal trips, where he used his state vehicle and state-issued E-Z Pass transponder, authorities said.
They also said he used a police database to run background checks on every member of a minor league baseball team to help out the team's manager. He also scoped out a vehicle he was interested in buying.
“This police captain allegedly abused his office by falsifying and misusing official records to serve his own purposes,” Attorney General Paula Dow said in a statement. “There is no room for dishonest conduct on the part of a sworn law enforcement officer.”
Authorities said Brady, 49, of Sparta is the third-highest ranking official in the Human Services police force, which is responsible for psychiatric hospitals and facilities for the developmentally disabled.
He was previously a councilman and the mayor in Sparta in Sussex County.
He is charged with three counts of official misconduct and one count of a pattern of official misconduct.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
Authorities said the case is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Division of Criminal Justice and the Department of Human Services.
Former Sparta mayor accused of lying on timesheets as police captain
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20110517/NJNEWS/305170013/Ex-Sparta-mayor
May 17, 2011
SPARTA — A former mayor of Sparta who is a captain with the state Human Services Police Department has been charged with submitting fraudulent paperwork and using police databases for personal purposes, according to the Office of the Attorney General.
Brian Brady, 49, was charged with three counts of second-degree official misconduct and one count of second-degree pattern of official misconduct. Brady turned himself in to detectives Tuesday to be processed and was later released without having to post bail.
This police captain allegedly abused his office by falsifying and misusing official records to serve his own purposes,” said Attorney General Paula Dow. “There is no room for dishonest conduct on the part of a sworn law enforcement officer.”
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in state prison on each official misconduct charge, including five years without possibility of parole, and a consecutive sentence on the pattern of official misconduct charge.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau and New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Brady, who formerly was a councilman and mayor of Sparta, is the third highest ranking officer in the Human Services Police Department, reporting to the chief and the director. The Human Services Police provide police services at the developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals operated by the Department of Human Services. They also are assigned to protect offices and case workers for the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services.
Brady was elected to the council in 2006 and was elected mayor by his fellow council members in 2008, which was the same year he and two other members of the council were the subjeccts of a failed recall attempt. Brady did not run for a second term.
Brady, who earned an annual salary of $101,000 last year, allegedly submitted false time sheets indicating that he had worked on days when he was away on personal trips. On some of these personal trips, including travel outside of the State of New Jersey, he allegedly used a state vehicle and state-issued E-Z Pass, the attorney general’s office said in a news release.
Brady also is accused of submitting four annual certifications that falsely stated that he had completed required activities at a firing range to re-qualify in use of his service firearm, the release said.
Brady also allegedly had background checks conducted on every member of a minor league baseball team using a police database and provided the results to the team’s manager. It is also alleged that Brady used a police database to run a background check on a vehicle that he wanted to purchase, the release said. The police database is to be used strictly for criminal justice purposes and not to be used for personal gain.
The Department of Human Services immediately suspended Brady pending a disciplinary hearing.
“Police officers are properly held to a higher standard,” said Criminal Justice Director Stephen J. Taylor. “The public needs to be able to rely on the fact that officers will act with integrity at all times when performing their duties.”
May 17, 2011
SPARTA — A former mayor of Sparta who is a captain with the state Human Services Police Department has been charged with submitting fraudulent paperwork and using police databases for personal purposes, according to the Office of the Attorney General.
Brian Brady, 49, was charged with three counts of second-degree official misconduct and one count of second-degree pattern of official misconduct. Brady turned himself in to detectives Tuesday to be processed and was later released without having to post bail.
This police captain allegedly abused his office by falsifying and misusing official records to serve his own purposes,” said Attorney General Paula Dow. “There is no room for dishonest conduct on the part of a sworn law enforcement officer.”
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in state prison on each official misconduct charge, including five years without possibility of parole, and a consecutive sentence on the pattern of official misconduct charge.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau and New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Brady, who formerly was a councilman and mayor of Sparta, is the third highest ranking officer in the Human Services Police Department, reporting to the chief and the director. The Human Services Police provide police services at the developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals operated by the Department of Human Services. They also are assigned to protect offices and case workers for the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services.
Brady was elected to the council in 2006 and was elected mayor by his fellow council members in 2008, which was the same year he and two other members of the council were the subjeccts of a failed recall attempt. Brady did not run for a second term.
Brady, who earned an annual salary of $101,000 last year, allegedly submitted false time sheets indicating that he had worked on days when he was away on personal trips. On some of these personal trips, including travel outside of the State of New Jersey, he allegedly used a state vehicle and state-issued E-Z Pass, the attorney general’s office said in a news release.
Brady also is accused of submitting four annual certifications that falsely stated that he had completed required activities at a firing range to re-qualify in use of his service firearm, the release said.
Brady also allegedly had background checks conducted on every member of a minor league baseball team using a police database and provided the results to the team’s manager. It is also alleged that Brady used a police database to run a background check on a vehicle that he wanted to purchase, the release said. The police database is to be used strictly for criminal justice purposes and not to be used for personal gain.
The Department of Human Services immediately suspended Brady pending a disciplinary hearing.
“Police officers are properly held to a higher standard,” said Criminal Justice Director Stephen J. Taylor. “The public needs to be able to rely on the fact that officers will act with integrity at all times when performing their duties.”
NJ Human Services police captain charged
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NJ_POLICE_CAPTAIN_CHARGED_NJOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
May 17, 2011
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey Human Services Police Department captain and former mayor was charged Tuesday with official misconduct for allegedly misusing police databases and submitting false firearm qualification certificates and expenses.
State Attorney General Paula Dow said Capt. Brian Brady, 49, has been placed on administrative leave from his $101,000 job. Brady is a former mayor of Sparta, a community of 18,000 in northwestern New Jersey.
Brady's attorney, Mario Iavicoli, disputed the charges and said Brady was being retaliated against for complaining to superiors about having to take on extra responsibilities.
The Human Services Police provide police services at developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals and protect child welfare workers.
Dow said Brady is accused of falsifying timesheets and using police databases for personal gain to conduct background checks on members of a minor league baseball team. She did not explain the reason for the background checks.
She said Brady submitted timesheets showing he had worked when he was off on personal trips and sometimes used a state vehicle and state-issued E-ZPass to travel outside of New Jersey.
Brady also is accused of submitting documents falsely stating that he had completed annual firearms qualification.
Iavicoli said Brady drove the state vehicle when he was on call, at odd hours, and actually gave back vacation time that he didn't use. He said authorities were going overboard in charging Brady for doing an improper background check that Brady thought would "benefit the community."
"He thought he had the discretionary right to do the lookup," Iavicoli said. "We believe they wanted to replace him and this is the method they are using."
Brady pleaded not guilty in court, his attorney said, and was released without having to post bail.
The investigation was conducted by the state Division of Criminal Justice.
© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
May 17, 2011
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey Human Services Police Department captain and former mayor was charged Tuesday with official misconduct for allegedly misusing police databases and submitting false firearm qualification certificates and expenses.
State Attorney General Paula Dow said Capt. Brian Brady, 49, has been placed on administrative leave from his $101,000 job. Brady is a former mayor of Sparta, a community of 18,000 in northwestern New Jersey.
Brady's attorney, Mario Iavicoli, disputed the charges and said Brady was being retaliated against for complaining to superiors about having to take on extra responsibilities.
The Human Services Police provide police services at developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals and protect child welfare workers.
Dow said Brady is accused of falsifying timesheets and using police databases for personal gain to conduct background checks on members of a minor league baseball team. She did not explain the reason for the background checks.
She said Brady submitted timesheets showing he had worked when he was off on personal trips and sometimes used a state vehicle and state-issued E-ZPass to travel outside of New Jersey.
Brady also is accused of submitting documents falsely stating that he had completed annual firearms qualification.
Iavicoli said Brady drove the state vehicle when he was on call, at odd hours, and actually gave back vacation time that he didn't use. He said authorities were going overboard in charging Brady for doing an improper background check that Brady thought would "benefit the community."
"He thought he had the discretionary right to do the lookup," Iavicoli said. "We believe they wanted to replace him and this is the method they are using."
Brady pleaded not guilty in court, his attorney said, and was released without having to post bail.
The investigation was conducted by the state Division of Criminal Justice.
© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
20080719
Vernon official rebuked for theft
July 18, 2008
By TOM HOWELL JR.
Dressed in shackles and orange jail garb, former Vernon Manager Don Teolis turned Friday and said, "I'm sorry," to two township officials seated in the front row of a Superior Court room.
Teolis, 51, was sentenced to five years in prison for bilking Vernon of thousands of dollars to finance an affair with a township employee in 2005 and 2006.
His quiet apology to Mayor Austin Carew and current Township Manager Melinda Carlton occurred as he shuffled out of the courtroom to serve his sentence.
Carew, Carlton and Vernon Police Chief Roy Wherry attended the hearing to represent the "26,000 victims" of Teolis' crimes in Sussex County's most populated municipality.
"The damage caused by Mr. Teolis is really, in my judgment, immeasurable," Vernon Mayor Austin Carew told the court.
The public saga has deteriorated trust of government in the township as it seeks investors in four redevelopment areas, according to township officials.
"It's a very serious matter," Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said. "Public corruption breeds public cynicism."
A yearlong investigation began when then-Councilman Jim Oroho reported irregularities in vouchers Teolis submitted for reimbursement in December 2006, officials said.
Teolis pleaded guilty in May to official misconduct, a second-degree crime, and must repay the township $13,796, money he used to pay for personal trips with township employee Annette Yankalunas.
His attorney, Gerard Hanlon, said Teolis prepared a check Friday for $3,000, a significant first payment to Vernon.
"I will always be proud of the positive things I accomplished as Vernon Township manager," Teolis told the court.
But he apologized with "deep regret" and "a heavy heart" for defrauding the public. He said he lost his home, career and "a large part of my dignity" because of his crimes.
Judge N. Peter Conforti said the ability to control one's free will is the most important responsibility of mature citizens.
"This defendant abused his responsibilities in his position," Conforti said.
During the investigation by prosecutor's Detective Patrick Higgins, facts surrounding Teolis' September 2006 trip to San Antonio with Yankalunas led investigators to question trips to Florida, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., the prosecutor's office said.
Authorities said Teolis used township money for Sea World tickets, a cruise in Miami and other personal expenses, and he billed the township for conferences or services that may or may not have existed.
In remarks to the court, Carlton said Teolis' actions placed a black eye on the township and her profession. The Vernon "bilking" case was cited by an anti-fraud consultant at a meeting she attended in Parsippany on Thursday.
"That was much more than an embarrassment -- it was painful," she said. "That struck a knife through my heart."
Yankalunas, 43, of Milford, Pa., will avoid criminal prosecution on charges she falsified records regarding a hotel stay with Teolis in San Antonio.
She was enrolled in the pre-trial intervention program for a span of one year. The charges will be dismissed if she completes 60 hours of community service, pays fines and follows all rules of court supervision.
Teolis had resigned from his Vernon post -- citing "disrespect and animosity" from the township -- shortly after he was accused of striking his wife in February 2007.
Assault charges stemming from the incident were administratively dismissed by prosecutors on Friday.
Teolis was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport when he flew in from Brussels, Belgium, after spending months in Europe.
His attorney said Teolis had planned to turn himself in on Jan. 30.
Teolis received 182 days of credit for time served in the Sussex County Jail. His earliest opportunity for parole will be one year and five days into his term, according to the judge.
By TOM HOWELL JR.
Dressed in shackles and orange jail garb, former Vernon Manager Don Teolis turned Friday and said, "I'm sorry," to two township officials seated in the front row of a Superior Court room.
Teolis, 51, was sentenced to five years in prison for bilking Vernon of thousands of dollars to finance an affair with a township employee in 2005 and 2006.
His quiet apology to Mayor Austin Carew and current Township Manager Melinda Carlton occurred as he shuffled out of the courtroom to serve his sentence.
Carew, Carlton and Vernon Police Chief Roy Wherry attended the hearing to represent the "26,000 victims" of Teolis' crimes in Sussex County's most populated municipality.
"The damage caused by Mr. Teolis is really, in my judgment, immeasurable," Vernon Mayor Austin Carew told the court.
The public saga has deteriorated trust of government in the township as it seeks investors in four redevelopment areas, according to township officials.
"It's a very serious matter," Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said. "Public corruption breeds public cynicism."
A yearlong investigation began when then-Councilman Jim Oroho reported irregularities in vouchers Teolis submitted for reimbursement in December 2006, officials said.
Teolis pleaded guilty in May to official misconduct, a second-degree crime, and must repay the township $13,796, money he used to pay for personal trips with township employee Annette Yankalunas.
His attorney, Gerard Hanlon, said Teolis prepared a check Friday for $3,000, a significant first payment to Vernon.
"I will always be proud of the positive things I accomplished as Vernon Township manager," Teolis told the court.
But he apologized with "deep regret" and "a heavy heart" for defrauding the public. He said he lost his home, career and "a large part of my dignity" because of his crimes.
Judge N. Peter Conforti said the ability to control one's free will is the most important responsibility of mature citizens.
"This defendant abused his responsibilities in his position," Conforti said.
During the investigation by prosecutor's Detective Patrick Higgins, facts surrounding Teolis' September 2006 trip to San Antonio with Yankalunas led investigators to question trips to Florida, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., the prosecutor's office said.
Authorities said Teolis used township money for Sea World tickets, a cruise in Miami and other personal expenses, and he billed the township for conferences or services that may or may not have existed.
In remarks to the court, Carlton said Teolis' actions placed a black eye on the township and her profession. The Vernon "bilking" case was cited by an anti-fraud consultant at a meeting she attended in Parsippany on Thursday.
"That was much more than an embarrassment -- it was painful," she said. "That struck a knife through my heart."
Yankalunas, 43, of Milford, Pa., will avoid criminal prosecution on charges she falsified records regarding a hotel stay with Teolis in San Antonio.
She was enrolled in the pre-trial intervention program for a span of one year. The charges will be dismissed if she completes 60 hours of community service, pays fines and follows all rules of court supervision.
Teolis had resigned from his Vernon post -- citing "disrespect and animosity" from the township -- shortly after he was accused of striking his wife in February 2007.
Assault charges stemming from the incident were administratively dismissed by prosecutors on Friday.
Teolis was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport when he flew in from Brussels, Belgium, after spending months in Europe.
His attorney said Teolis had planned to turn himself in on Jan. 30.
Teolis received 182 days of credit for time served in the Sussex County Jail. His earliest opportunity for parole will be one year and five days into his term, according to the judge.
20080528
Ex-Vernon manager admits fraud
May 28, 2008
By TOM HOWELL JR.
NEWTON — Former Vernon Township Manager Don Teolis admitted Tuesday that he used thousands of public dollars for personal trips with a female employee between March 2004 and October 2006.
Teolis, 51, faces five years in prison after pleading guilty in Superior Court to second-degree official misconduct. He must repay the township $13,796, money he used to finance an affair with township employee Annette Yankalunas.
Judge N. Peter Conforti will decide whether to sentence Teolis in accordance with the plea on July 18. Teolis has accrued time against the pending sentence in the Sussex County jail since his arrest at John F. Kennedy Airport in January.
Current Township Manager Melinda Carlton and Police Chief Roy Wherry sat in the front row of the courtroom on Tuesday.
"I guess I just needed to see the judiciary in action," Carlton said, adding it is time to move forward.
The township has placed more checks and balances on its finances, including an additional signature on its vouchers, Carlton said.
The plea brings some closure to the public saga, which began when Councilman Jim Oroho reported irregularities in vouchers Teolis had submitted for reimbursement in December 2006, officials said.
During a yearlong investigation by prosecutor's Detective Patrick Higgins, facts surrounding Teolis' September 2006 trip to San Antonio with Yankalunas led investigators to question trips to Florida, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., the prosecutor's office said.
Authorities alleged that Teolis used township funds for Sea World tickets, a cruise in Miami and other personal expenses, and that he billed the township for conferences or services that may or may not have existed.
Yankalunas, 43, of Milford, Pa., will avoid criminal prosecution on charges she falsified records regarding a hotel stay with Teolis in San Antonio.
She was admitted Tuesday to the Pre-Trial Intervention program for a span of 12 months. The criminal charge will be dismissed if she completes 60 hours of community service, pays fines and follows all rules of probation.
In court, Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said Yankalunas' resolution was much less severe because she "was far less culpable than Mr. Teolis, and there was a substantial amount of cooperation by this defendant."
Her attorney, Paris Eliades, said Yankalunas may have the opportunity to be rehired by the township.
"I don't think she fully appreciated that public funds were being utilized," he said.
Teolis' location remained a mystery after the charges were filed in December.
Teolis said that after his resignation as township manager in February he moved to San Antonio to live with his son and teach for the Test of English as a Foreign Language.
His attorney, Gerard Hanlon, said Teolis flew from Brussels, Belgium, to New York to turn himself in on Jan. 30 after he completed a job in Italy.
There were more teaching opportunities in Europe than in Texas, Teolis said in January.
Teolis had resigned from his Vernon post — citing "disrespect and animosity" from the township — shortly after he was charged with striking his wife.
He still faces assault charges for the alleged assault, but his wife has said she does not want the prosecution to proceed.
Teolis will be an ideal candidate for the Intensive Supervision Program — a strict form of probation — after he serves six months of his term, Hanlon has said.
A panel of three judges would review Teolis' application for ISP, which typically entails weekly probation visits and random house checks, attorneys said.
By TOM HOWELL JR.
NEWTON — Former Vernon Township Manager Don Teolis admitted Tuesday that he used thousands of public dollars for personal trips with a female employee between March 2004 and October 2006.
Teolis, 51, faces five years in prison after pleading guilty in Superior Court to second-degree official misconduct. He must repay the township $13,796, money he used to finance an affair with township employee Annette Yankalunas.
Judge N. Peter Conforti will decide whether to sentence Teolis in accordance with the plea on July 18. Teolis has accrued time against the pending sentence in the Sussex County jail since his arrest at John F. Kennedy Airport in January.
Current Township Manager Melinda Carlton and Police Chief Roy Wherry sat in the front row of the courtroom on Tuesday.
"I guess I just needed to see the judiciary in action," Carlton said, adding it is time to move forward.
The township has placed more checks and balances on its finances, including an additional signature on its vouchers, Carlton said.
The plea brings some closure to the public saga, which began when Councilman Jim Oroho reported irregularities in vouchers Teolis had submitted for reimbursement in December 2006, officials said.
During a yearlong investigation by prosecutor's Detective Patrick Higgins, facts surrounding Teolis' September 2006 trip to San Antonio with Yankalunas led investigators to question trips to Florida, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., the prosecutor's office said.
Authorities alleged that Teolis used township funds for Sea World tickets, a cruise in Miami and other personal expenses, and that he billed the township for conferences or services that may or may not have existed.
Yankalunas, 43, of Milford, Pa., will avoid criminal prosecution on charges she falsified records regarding a hotel stay with Teolis in San Antonio.
She was admitted Tuesday to the Pre-Trial Intervention program for a span of 12 months. The criminal charge will be dismissed if she completes 60 hours of community service, pays fines and follows all rules of probation.
In court, Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said Yankalunas' resolution was much less severe because she "was far less culpable than Mr. Teolis, and there was a substantial amount of cooperation by this defendant."
Her attorney, Paris Eliades, said Yankalunas may have the opportunity to be rehired by the township.
"I don't think she fully appreciated that public funds were being utilized," he said.
Teolis' location remained a mystery after the charges were filed in December.
Teolis said that after his resignation as township manager in February he moved to San Antonio to live with his son and teach for the Test of English as a Foreign Language.
His attorney, Gerard Hanlon, said Teolis flew from Brussels, Belgium, to New York to turn himself in on Jan. 30 after he completed a job in Italy.
There were more teaching opportunities in Europe than in Texas, Teolis said in January.
Teolis had resigned from his Vernon post — citing "disrespect and animosity" from the township — shortly after he was charged with striking his wife.
He still faces assault charges for the alleged assault, but his wife has said she does not want the prosecution to proceed.
Teolis will be an ideal candidate for the Intensive Supervision Program — a strict form of probation — after he serves six months of his term, Hanlon has said.
A panel of three judges would review Teolis' application for ISP, which typically entails weekly probation visits and random house checks, attorneys said.
20080413
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