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$9K Theft Gets Former Ocean County Rec Director Probation: Prosecutor

A former Brick Township recreation official, once celebrated as a top professional in his field, was sentenced to three years probation on Friday, Jan. 31 after he admitted to stealing more than  $10,000 in township recreation fees, authorities said.

Daniel Santaniello, 46, Brick Township, NJ.

Daniel Santaniello, 46, Brick Township, NJ.

 Photo Credit: Township of Brick, NJ Municipal Government
Sam Barron

Daniel Santaniello, 46, pleaded guilty last month to theft, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said.

Santaniello was previously the recreation director for Brick Township. The New Jersey Recreation & Park Association gave him their "Professional of the Year Award" in 2016.

Investigators said Santaniello abused his position to charge private organizations cash to use township recreational facilities, including softball fields. Instead of depositing the funds into township accounts, he kept the money and issued fraudulent permits to conceal the theft, Billhimer said.

Santaniello pocketed about $9,260 in funds intended for the township, Billhimer said. As part of his plea agreement, Santaniello resigned from his position, forfeited future public employment, and repaid the stolen money, Billhimer said.

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