Prosecutor: Pemberton EMS Officers Stole Funds

Two members of the Pemberton First Aid and Emergency Squad were arrested this week and charged with stealing funds, said Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Pemberton Township Police Chief David H. Jantas.

The two also allegedly ordered equipment for personal use that was paid for with the organization’s money, the prosecutor's office said.

Brandon T. Morrison, 21, of New Road in Tabernacle, was charged with one count of theft by deception, one count of elements of computer theft, and one count of impersonation. Morrison was treasurer of the squad’s administrative side and captain of its operational side.

Jonathan L. Hinshaw, 24, of Echelon Road in Voorhees, was charged with one count of theft by deception. Hinshaw was president of the organization.

Both men served in a volunteer capacity. They were taken into custody yesterday at the Pemberton Township Police Department and released after posting bail.

Morrison is accused of purchasing items totaling more than $19,800 with squad funds that were not approved by the organization’s finance committee. The items, including a laptop computer, boots, clothing and knives, were kept for personal use. Morrison forged checks to pay for the items. Additionally, he is accused of forging checks to himself for a total of nearly $6,000.

Hinshaw is accused of accepting a forged check made out to him in the amount of $485.75. The thefts occurred between February and October of this year.

The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Pemberton Township Police Department, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit.