On February 2, 2010, Acting Prosecutor Robert Laurino announced today that Andrew Brady, former Director of the South Orange Parks and Recreation, turned himself in at the South Orange Police Department for the alleged offense of theft. This is a third degree offense with the possibility of 3 to 5 years prison term.
Brady, age 60 of South Orange, was charged with theft by purposely obtaining or retaining cash ($1,113) subject to a known legal obligation and fail to make the required disposition. He instead dealt with the property as if it were his own. Specifically, defendant Brady, as the former Director of the South Orange Parks and Recreation Department, held five concerts at the Baird Community Center and had an agreement that the Community Center would receive half of the total door receipts which he never disposed into the Township accounts.
The concerts were held by a local collective known as Rock the House which promotes local musicians and bands. The theft occurred over a course of time when the concerts were held: March 20th, April 24th, June 13th, October 23rd and December 24, 2009.
The investigation was conducted by the South Orange Police Department’s Detective Bureau, New Jersey State Police, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The joint investigation commenced after detectives received information regarding unaccounted for funds from the South Orange Parks and Recreation Department.
Andrew Brady was employed by the Township of South Orange Village for forty-three (43) years.
These are mere accusations. Defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
