Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced on Mar. 13 that a state grand jury has returned a 24-count indictment against Timothy Morris, a former New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) lieutenant. Morris, who managed the agency’s shooting ranges, is accused of stealing ammunition from his employer and selling it for personal profit over several years.
The case highlights concerns about public trust and accountability in law enforcement. The indictment alleges that Morris used his position to order surplus ammunition between 2019 and 2025, then sold it on the secondary market for cash and checks made out to himself. “This defendant was a law enforcement officer entrusted with the power to use taxpayer resources to run firing ranges for nearly two decades. As alleged in the indictment, he exploited that position of public trust for his own personal benefit,” said Attorney General Davenport. “This type of behavior not only depletes public funds, but it also erodes the public’s trust in government. Our office will always work to ensure that people who hold positions of public trust take that privilege and responsibility seriously and we would hold them accountable when they do not.”
Eric L. Gibson, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), said, “Our investigation found that, for years, this defendant allegedly unlawfully padded his paycheck at the taxpayers’ expense. He also failed to report that windfall on his tax returns, further depriving the State, according to this indictment. This case is another clear illustration of the true cost of public corruption, and why pursuing these cases is vital to cutting off wasteful spending and restoring public confidence.” Acting NJDOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn added, “The indictment of former Lieutenant Timothy Morris underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and ensuring that no individual is above the law. The alleged actions of former Lt. Morris were a betrayal of the public trust and the values we demand at the New Jersey Department of Corrections.” Kuhn said efforts continue within NJDOC to identify anyone exploiting their position.
Court documents allege Morris profited by more than $400,000 through ordering excess ammunition from four gun ranges across New Jersey—including Annandale in Hunterdon County; Browns Mills in Burlington County; Maurice River in Cumberland County; Sea Girt in Monmouth County; as well as Special Operations Group Headquarters in Trenton—and reselling it illegally. The funds included $60,000 vacuum-sealed in bundles derived from these sales.
Morris is also accused of breaking up large cash transactions into smaller amounts at banks to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements designed to detect suspicious activity—such as withdrawing $11,300 over several days in August 2021 or more than $14,000 over several days in January 2022 from criminal proceeds.
Additionally, prosecutors allege he failed to pay state income tax on proceeds from these thefts between tax years 2020-2024 by filing false returns omitting required income totaling more than $418,000 during those years.
According to the official website, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards statewide through enforcement and legal support services extending throughout all counties and municipalities.The office influences public safety by enforcing laws across New Jersey under its statutory mandate—including oversight functions such as crime lab support and victim advocacy.It also provides consumer protection initiatives alongside legal representation for state agencies.
Morris faces charges including official misconduct (second degree), theft by unlawful taking (second degree), financial facilitation of criminal activity (second degree), multiple counts related to financial facilitation (third degree), failure to pay or turn over taxes (third degree), and filing fraudulent returns (third degree). Second-degree charges carry potential sentences up to ten years in prison with fines up to $150,000; third-degree charges carry up to five years with fines up to $15,000.
Deputy Attorneys General Richard T. Bobbe III and Brian O’Loughlin are prosecuting under OPIA supervision. Defense counsel is Patrick P. Toscano Jr., Esq., The Toscano Law Firm.
