Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Thursday, June 13, 2019, Christopher Oldham, 32, of Manahawkin, was arrested and charged with Theft of Moveable Property in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, Tampering With Evidence in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:28-6(1), and Filing a False Police Report in violation of  N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4b(1), in connection with his employment as a Detective with the Harvey Cedars Police Department.

The Professional Standards Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office investigated this matter following an audit by the Harvey Cedars Police Department.  The audit revealed that a silver necklace, valued in excess of $200, was missing from the evidence room while Oldham was the Custodian of Evidence. Investigation further revealed that Oldham indicated the necklace was unclaimed property and had been turned over to the Borough of Harvey Cedars to be auctioned. An audit revealed that the necklace was never turned over to the Borough of Harvey Cedars.

Oldham will be suspended from the Harvey Cedars Police Department without pay pending resolution of the criminal charges filed against him.

The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.