Retired Edison Police Captain Accused In Scheme To Collect Sick Pay

EDISON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A retired police captain in Edison is accused of using sick leave to collect thousands of dollars from the township while actually working another job.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said 55-year-old Natale Fresco is charged with third-degree theft in the case.

Between July 15, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2015, Fresco allegedly worked as security director at the Menlo Park Mall, while also collecting sick pay from the township.

An investigation by the prosecutor's office determined that Fresco had collected more than $43,000 in the scheme before retiring on October 1, 2015, Carey said.

"This office consistently investigates and prosecutes theft and corruption cases," Carey said. "We will remain diligent in our efforts to target such behavior and we will seek restitution for the taxpayers wherever possible."

The prosecutor's office said the investigation into the scheme is ongoing, and asked anyone with information to call detectives at the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at 732-745-3300.