🚔 Colts Neck Police Sergeant Charged With Theft After Allegedly Failing to Perform Duties While on Duty

FREEHOLD, NJ — September 4, 2026 — A Colts Neck Police Department sergeant is facing a criminal charge after an investigation allegedly found that he spent significant portions of his assigned work hours at home instead of performing police duties.

According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Daniel J. Mazzucola, 40, has been charged with third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking.

🔎 Investigators with the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit determined that, on multiple occasions between December 2025 and May 2026, Mazzucola allegedly remained at his Township residence for significant portions of his scheduled on-duty time, including overtime shifts, rather than patrolling or responding to calls for service.

Authorities say that on two specific occasions, Mazzucola allegedly entered information into a law enforcement database indicating that he had responded to calls, despite investigators determining that he never left his residence.

💰 Prosecutors allege that the salary associated with the time in question totaled approximately $16,500.

Mazzucola surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, September 1, and was subsequently released on a summons pending future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.

The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit. Mazzucola is represented by attorney Tara Walsh, Esq., of Ocean Township.

⚖️ IMPORTANT: Mazzucola is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charges are allegations, and he is entitled to all rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and New Jersey law.

📲 Garden State News Network will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.