Authorities raid municipal office

Investigators search office of Township Administrator Jim Pickering (Nov. 10)

By: Lauren burgoon
   MILLSTONE — County and township officials are remaining tight-lipped about an investigation of Millstone launched by the Monmouth County prosecutor’s office.
   Investigators accompanied by the state police served a search warrant Nov. 3 to search the office of Township Administrator Jim Pickering at the municipal building. Items, including paperwork, were removed.
   County Prosecutor Luis Valentin declined comment on the matter Monday. Mayor Elias Abilheira said the prosecutor’s office told township officials to limit their comments in the case in order to avoid "hindering the investigation."
   "Documents and records from the township were provided when requested. We will continue to assist them in any way possible," the mayor said.
   Mayor Abilheira said he "welcomed a third-party review because (Committeewoman) Nancy Grbelja and I have often voiced our concern over irregularities in Millstone," but refused to be more specific. He did say more information would be available to residents after the prosecutor gives clearance.
   The search warrant and subsequent investigation were executed just days before one of the most contentious municipal elections in recent history. Officials would not say if a candidate or current Township Committee member requested an investigation.