A key employee of the state agency that protects and serves needy children and families has been accused of stealing at least $2,700 worth of gift cards intended for the most vulnerable among us.
Veronica Franklin, 54, of Paterson was charged with theft last week after authorities investigated the cards, which were reported missing from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency office in Secaucus.
Franklin, who has worked for the state for 36 years, is listed as an “employee,” Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said Monday. She makes just over $56,000 a year, according to state records.
It could not be determined whether Franklin was suspended or fired. Officials with the department, which is part of the state Department of Children and Families, did not respond to a request for more information.
Miller said the theft was discovered when the department moved its office from 1 Harmon Meadow Blvd. to 400 Plaza Dr. During an inventory, it was discovered that several gift cards stored in a safe had been stolen.
An investigation revealed that the cards had been used, and authorities arrested Franklin for the expenditure.
The stolen cards are valued at $2,700, Miller said, noting that the investigation is ongoing. Franklin was issued a summons to appear in court and released from police custody pending her first court appearance.
