NJ Transit Conductor, Second Suspect Charged With Theft

FREEHOLD - A New Jersey Transit train conductor from Howell and a second suspect await court appearances, accused of ripping off the rail system and recruiting commuters to do it.

Robert Broschart, 49, of Howell, and Phillip Swanger, 45, of Bradley Beach, were arrested Wednesday night at the end of a seven-month investigation by Monmouth County authorities and NJT police.

Investigators say the probe began when they got information that some North Jersey Coast Line riders weren't paying fares.

Swanger is accused of enlisting passengers into a scheme to pay Broschart directly in cash, at significantly lower monthly or quarterly rates, instead of buying tickets at their depots.  In return, say investigators, Broschart maintained a masquerade of pretending to punch their tickets.

Broschart is charged with official misconduct, theft and conspiracy. Official misconduct is a second-degree crime that carries a prison term of up to 10 years on conviction. Swanger faces theft and conspiracy counts, third-degree offenses with possible prison terms of up to five years. A judge in Freehold set bail for Broschart at $75,000, and for Swanger at $25,000.

The probe is not closed. Investigators are urging anyone who may have information to help the case to call Detective Sergeant John Maggs and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office - 732-431-7160, ext. 5839; or NJT Police Detecive Michael Bavosa - 973-491-8953.