A former New Jersey municipal employee has been sentenced to five years in state prison after admitting to stealing over $75,000 in public funds and orchestrating a complex cover-up.
Michelle Calderon, 39, who served as a code enforcement officer for Ventnor City in Atlantic County, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft by failure to make lawful disposition of entrusted property. Her sentencing took place on May 27, 2025, in Atlantic County Superior Court.
Scheme Spanned Two Years
According to investigators, Calderon’s criminal activity spanned from 2021 to 2023. During her time as a public official, she diverted cash payments made by citizens and businesses for city permits into her own possession. The stolen funds, totaling more than $75,000, were meant for municipal use.
Authorities reported that Calderon manipulated financial records by altering Excel spreadsheets to hide the theft. Surveillance footage captured her transporting documents between city departments, which prosecutors say was part of her broader attempt to cover her tracks and mislead auditors.
Investigation and Restitution
The Office of the Atlantic County Prosecutor launched a full investigation after discrepancies were found during a routine audit of the code enforcement office. The probe uncovered forged records and suspicious cash handling that ultimately led to Calderon’s arrest.
As part of a plea agreement, Calderon paid $50,000 in restitution before sentencing. She is expected to repay the remaining amount upon her release from prison. In addition, she was ordered to forfeit several luxury items that were allegedly purchased using the stolen funds.
Barred from Public Service
Under the terms of her sentence, Calderon is permanently barred from holding any public employment or office in the state of New Jersey. This ban is standard in public corruption cases and is aimed at preventing repeat offenses by individuals who have misused public trust.
Legal Background
In New Jersey, theft involving amounts of $75,000 or more is classified as a second-degree crime. According to New Jersey Criminal Code, such offenses are punishable by five to ten years in state prison and may carry fines of up to $150,000.
The case highlights the severe penalties associated with public corruption in New Jersey. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has stated that financial integrity within government agencies remains a top priority, and cases involving the misuse of taxpayer funds will be prosecuted aggressively. More information can be found on the Office of the Attorney General’s Public Integrity page.
Calderon is currently being held at a state correctional facility, where she will serve her five-year sentence without eligibility for early parole due to the nature of the crime.