Construction Code Official Arrested for Official Misconduct

MAYS LANDING – A former Hamilton Township assistant construction code official was charged today with one count of second-degree official misconduct for allegedly taking cash for permits totaling nearly $12,000 for her own personal use, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel announced. 

Lisa Hare, 41, of Hamilton Township, allegedly took the cash from the Hamilton Township construction office that was received for construction and building permits instead of making required deposits in the township bank accounts. It is further alleged that Hare did so on numerous occasions between April of 2004 and February of 2007, Assistant Prosecutor Curt Baker stated.

Hare left her job in 2007 and financial discrepancies were brought to the attention of the Hamilton Township Police Department in 2009. 

Hare turned herself in to the Hamilton Township Police Department today and was released on a summons. 

Hamilton Township Detective Sgt. Anthony Alcott conducted the investigation along with the assistance of Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Joseph Pepe of the Official Corruption Unit.

If indicted and convicted, Hare could face up to 10 years in prison
***These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.