Ex-Freehold Senior Center Director Admits Theft

Monmouth County prosecutors recommend 100 hours community service and $5,000 in fines for the former Freehold Township Senior Center director who admitted pocketing nearly that much in fees due the township from a travel agency.

Arlene Golub, 70, entered a plea bargain today in Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold.

She admitted keeping $4,284 in connection with vacation cruises for Senior Center members, according to Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Chris Grammicioni.

Investigators learned that Golub had arranged voyages for March 14, 2009 and May 27, 2010 through the same agency. Each retiree organized his or her own travel arrangements through the firm, which then agreed to remit money back to the township.

According to the probe, the company issued four checks. Golub, they say, instructed the agency to write them payable to her. She deposited $1,528 into a township account and placed three checks totalling $6,584 into her own account. She drew $2,300 for bus service to the departure points, said investigators, and kept the rest.

The probe revealed that Golub returned $4,084 last August after being rebuffed by Freehold officials for hosting yet another cruise, with one official noting that neither had resulted in plus-revenues for the township.

Golub pleaded guilty to third-degree Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property.

In addition to community service hours and the fine, the plea agreement calls for Golub to remit the remaining $200 and forfeit the right to hold public office in New Jersey.