Former N.J. County Employee Charged with Unlawful Vehicle Use

A Morris County (N.J.) agency director allegedly used three county vehicles for personal use on various dates from 2010 to 2012 although she knew she was not permitted to use them.

by Staff

May 5, 2014

1 min to read

A former director of the Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS) in New Jersey has been charged with three counts of fourth-degree unlawful taking of a conveyance for the unauthorized use of fleet vehicles.

Hope Hezel oversaw the Morris County-run paratransit system, which had a fleet of county-owned vehicles.

Hezel allegedly used three MAPS vehicles for personal use on various dates from 2010 to 2012 although she knew she was not permitted to use them, Morris County’s Office of the Prosecutor stated in a release.

She allegedly used the vehicles to complete personal errands outside of work hours as well as travel to personal events, including at least one event in another state. She took steps to conceal that the vehicles were county owned by hiding the Morris County seal on the vehicle and attempting to remove the seal decal.

Hezel was charged on April 29. Her initial court appearance will be scheduled by the court.

Topics:Ethics County Fleets Fleet Crime Maintenance

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