MAYS LANDING, N.J.
— A supervisor in the Atlantic County Department of Public Works has been charged with multiple offenses, including official misconduct, in connection with the unauthorized use of county-owned diesel fuel to power trucks for his private logistics business.
Joseph L. Ridley, 47, of Mays Landing, was charged Monday with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and third-degree conspiracy to commit theft. Authorities allege Ridley used his position within the Roads and Bridges Department to facilitate the fuel theft.
According to investigators, Atlantic County Fleet Management officials observed a large box truck being fueled at the county fueling station in Northfield on May 27. When questioned, the operators of the truck fled the scene. The incident led to an investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Standards and Accountability Unit.
Detectives discovered that Ridley had shared a diesel bypass code from the county’s fueling system with employees of his private company, Z5 Logistics LLC. This code allowed business vehicles to access county fuel without authorization.
Employees also charged in ongoing fuel theft probe
On June 2, detectives apprehended individuals connected to Z5 Logistics as they were fueling business trucks at the county facility. Alongside Ridley, three others were charged with disorderly persons offenses for theft by unlawful taking:
- Zakar Ridley, 26, of Mays Landing
- Jason Meredith, 34, of Absecon
- Corey Smith, 27, of Pleasantville
All three are accused of using county resources for private purposes without permission. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the total amount of fuel stolen and the financial impact on the county.
“This incident is currently being investigated by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Standards and Accountability Unit,” officials stated.
The probe continues as prosecutors examine the extent of misuse and potential systemic vulnerabilities within the public works department.