BREAKING NEWS: Certifcate of occupancy allegedly was issued without approvals in exchange for favors.
By: Melissa Edmond
Ronald E. Estepp, the construction code official of the Hillsborough Building Department, was charged Monday with second-degree official misconduct, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne J. Forrest.
Mr. Forrest said Mr. Estepp, 57, issued a certificate of occupancy to the Burlington Group LLC/Lenape Industries Inc., even though the contractor didn’t have the proper approvals — in exchange for work done at his residence and other favors.
Mr. Estepp has been on medical leave since May 25 and had previously set his retirement for Dec. 1. Township officials would not reveal the nature of Mr. Estepp’s medical condition.
Mr. Forrest said Mr. Estepp received benefits from the contractor including complimentary lunches and dinners, alcoholic drinks and about $14,000 worth of home improvements to his residence in Hamilton, all paid for by the contractor.
Mr. Forrest said a joint investigation conducted by the Somerset County prosecutor’s office Special Investigations Unit, the Hillsborough Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs determined Mr. Estepp allowed the contractor to perform work without proper permits at 11-1 Ilene Court, beginning in July 2002.
Mr. Forrest said Mr. Estepp and various sub-code officials conducted an inspection of the construction on June 10, 2003. Mr. Estepp issued a certificate allowing the business to open the next day, even though he had not received final approval from the township fire sub-code official, Mr. Forrest said.
Mr. Forrest said Building Department staff told Mr. Estepp all approvals had not been received; however, Mr. Estepp ordered that the certificate of occupancy be issued.
Mr. Estepp surrendered to police at about 4:30 p.m. Monday, and was turned over to Somerset County Jail after charges were processed, with bail set at $25,000, Mr. Forrest said.
See Thursday’s Hillsborough Beacon for more on the charges.