A former NJ Transit supervisor pleaded guilty on March 24 to stealing more than 1,000 cellphones purchased with agency funds and reselling them for personal profit, according to an announcement from Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). The defendant, Peejay Manila, admitted he used the proceeds from the years-long scheme to fund a lavish lifestyle that included international travel.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by New Jersey authorities to address public corruption. According to the official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support according to the official website.
Manila, age 37 of Little Ferry and formerly Hackensack, pleaded guilty before Judge James X. Sattely in Bergen County Superior Court. He admitted guilt for Theft by Unlawful Taking (second degree) and Failure to Pay or Turn Over Taxes (third-degree). Under a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a five-year prison sentence. Manila also agreed to pay approximately $1.38 million in restitution to NJ Transit and file amended tax returns for 2021 through 2024 reflecting about $56,000 owed in back taxes.
Additionally, as part of his plea deal, Manila forfeited all current public employment and is permanently barred from holding any future government position at any level within New Jersey.
“For years, this defendant stole from NJ Transit in order to fund his lavish lifestyle,” said Attorney General Davenport. “He exploited his position of public trust for his own ends and hurt New Jersey taxpayers in the process. Our office will continue to protect the public fisc and ensure that all public servants perform their duties with integrity.”
Eric L. Gibson, Executive Director of OPIA said: “Instead of serving the people of New Jersey, this defendant used his position for his own personal benefit. Our office will continue to work tirelessly towards rooting out this type of public corruption in New Jersey.”
Court documents show that between November 2020 through early 2025 while working as Chief of Digital Workspace at NJ Transit—after being hired as senior director—Manila ordered cellphones intended only for staff use but instead sold them through buyback companies for over $900,000. He used some proceeds on vacations abroad including trips to Japan and Dubai.
Law enforcement searched Manila’s apartment on May 8 last year where they found about twenty phones—including several new devices packaged for shipment—which were confirmed as purchased using agency funds.
According to its official website, the New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin extends services across all counties; enforces laws; provides oversight; regulates safety matters; offers state legal representation; supports law enforcement operations; advocates for victims; delivers consumer protection initiatives; functions as a justice-focused state agency.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 5.
