Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office

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

*News Release* Date: February 23, 2010

Shuttle bus driver sentenced for theft

Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J. Kaplan announced today that a county shuttle bus driver has been placed on probation for three years for 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 also was ordered to repay $205 he took from the cash box and must perform 50 hours of community service.

In addition, Superior Court Judge Frederick P. DeVesa, sitting in New Brunswick, told the defendant he may no longer hold a public job and ordered him to resign his post with the county.

Wolfthal was sentenced on February 22, 2010, after he pleaded guilty on December 8, 2009, to a count of fourth degree theft, admitting he took the cash from the donation box on various occasions between January 1, 2008, and September 15, 2009.

The guilty plea was entered following negotiations with Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Brian D. Gillet.

Wolfthal was charged on 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.