Crime & Safety

Montclair Man Admits to Stealing $82K From Glen Ridge

The 30-year-old Montclair man pled guilty to second degree theft and is expected to serve 5 years in prison, prosecutors said.

A former Glen Ridge official admitted to stealing $82,981 from the borough over a three year period Thursday, according to the Essex County prosecutor.

Tresor Gopaul, 30, of Montclair, pled guilty to second degree theft by unlawful taking in Newark and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ryan on May 30, according to Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray.

Gopaul was accused of stealing money collected when people came into the Glen Ridge borough offices to obtain birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates.

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The theft came to light in August 2013 when Gopaul had taken a day off from work and the deputy registrar was covering for him. That led to an investigation of Gopaul and his subsequent arrest on Jan. 24. He was charged with the theft in February.

Gopaul is expected to be sentenced to five years in New Jersey state prison under the plea deal, said Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells, who handled the case.   

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“Mr. Gopaul held a position of trust within the government of Glen Ridge, and he violated that trust by stealing from the people he served,” Wells said. “He will now face the consequences for his actions.”

The state will seek full restitution from Gopaul, who is also required to forfeit all current and future public employment, officials said. 


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