Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office

25 Kirkpatrick Street, 3^rd Floor, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901 (732) 745-3300

*News Release* Date: December 9, 2009

Shuttle bus driver admits theft

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J. Kaplan today announced that a county shuttle bus driver admitted stealing cash from a donation box used by passengers who make voluntary contributions in appreciation of free rides to various destinations around the county.

Mark B. Wolfthal (DOB 7/13/59) of the Parlin section of Sayreville waived his right to have his case presented to a grand jury in Middlesex County and pleaded guilty on December 8, 2009, to a count of fourth degree theft.

During a hearing in New Brunswick before Superior Court Judge Frederick P. DeVesa, the defendant admitted taking a total of $205 from the donation box on various occasions between January 1, 2008, and September 15, 2009.

Under a plea agreement reached with Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Brian D. Gillet, the defendant faces a probationary term of up to five years. In addition, he will be required to repay the stolen cash, must perform community service and will be forever banned from holding a public job in New Jersey.

Wolfthal is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge DeVesa on February 22, 2010.

Wolfthal was charged September 24, 2009, after an investigation by Sgt. Daniel DelBagno and Investigator Gary Charydczak, both of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that the bus driver took cash from the donation box, which was affixed to the dashboard of the minibus he drove for Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT).

MCAT is a popular Middlesex County service that offers free shuttle bus rides to senior citizens, disabled residents and economically disadvantaged individuals who need transportation to go shopping, seek employment, or receive medical services.

Wolfthal began working for the county on September 24, 2001, and was earning $30,933 annually. He was suspended without pay after he was charged.