Fire marshal resigns, admits embezzlement

By JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

The former treasurer of North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. 3 resigned after admitting that he embezzled at least $89,000 from the fire company since last year.

Craig J. Snediker, 40, of Monroe Township, pleaded guilty on Sept. 2 in federal court in Trenton to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud, according to a statement prepared by U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.

North Brunswick Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack released a statement on Sept. 3 that stated: “Today I asked for and received the resignation of Craig Snediker, North Brunswick Township fire marshal. His guilty plea in the United States District Court yesterday afternoon mandated his immediate separation from the township.”

According to Fishman, Snediker had the authority to deposit and withdraw money from the fire company’s bank account, which held public funds and private donations, since he was the treasurer.

He admitted that from March 25, 2014, through May 19, 2015, he used ATM machines at banks in Middlesex County to access the funds for his personal expenses.

According to the court document, Snediker made multiple transactions including a $500 ATM cash withdrawal from the account at a bank in New Jersey on March 25, 2014; three ATM cash withdrawals from the account at a bank in New Jersey on July 24, 2014, totaling $1,660; two ATM cash withdrawals from the account at a bank in New Jersey on Nov. 26, 2014, totaling $1,000; and two ATM cash withdrawals from the account at a location in Pennsylvania for $807.98 on May 19, 2015.

Overall, Snediker admitted that he withdrew between $89,000 and $92,986 without the fire company’s authorization.

Snediker later concealed his actions by misrepresenting the account balance to the Township of North Brunswick, Fishman said.

“Craig deeply regrets the offense and will make full and complete restitution to the fire company,” said his attorney, Robert C. Scrivo, a partner in McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter of Morristown.

Although Snediker also served as treasurer of the entire North Brunswick Fire Department, the charges themselves and the damages they caused pertain only to the bank account for Fire Company 3, not the whole fire department’s fund, according to William Skaggs, deputy public affairs officer for the United States Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey.

The origins of the investigation including when and how it began and when Snediker was notified could not be released as a matter of policy, Skaggs said.

The wire fraud charge carries a maximum potential of 29 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Snediker has been the township fire marshal since August 2000, his only official position with the town, according to township Business Administrator Robert Lombard. His salary is $74,756.90 annually.

Snediker had been part of the Public Employees Retirement System since 2010, according to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.

“We were saddened to learn that Craig Snediker, Township Fire Marshal, appeared in United States District Court in Trenton [on Sept. 3] and pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud. We understand that none of these charges were related to Craig’s official position with the township,” Womack initially said on the evening of Sept. 2.

“Craig has been a valued and well-respected member of our staff for over 15 years and a dedicated volunteer within the community.

“Although we support Craig personally, a thorough review will be conducted into this matter to determine its impact on his professional responsibilities and role with the township.”

A representative from North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. 3 said a statement would be released regarding the incident, though it was not available by press time.

Snediker could not be reached for comment.

Contact Jennifer Amato at [email protected].