TRENTON—A state grand jury indicted a former New Jersey Department of Corrections lieutenant on March 13, alleging he stole and sold state-owned ammunition for more than $400,000 in personal profit over a six-year period.

Timothy Morris, 57, of Bayville, faces 24 criminal counts, including official misconduct, theft and tax evasion. The charges carry potential sentences of 5 to 10 years on second-degree counts and 3 to 5 years on third-degree counts.

Range Master Allegedly Exploited Position

Morris served as NJDOC range master for approximately 18 years. In that capacity, he managed four gun ranges located in Annandale, Browns Mills, Maurice River, and Sea Girt, plus a Special Operations Group Headquarters in Trenton. These facilities span five counties: Hunterdon, Burlington, Cumberland, Monmouth, and Mercer. The ranges provide firearms training for corrections officers throughout the state.

The alleged scheme operated from at least 2019 through 2025. Prosecutors contend that Morris used his authority to order surplus ammunition and then sold it for cash and checks made directly to him, profiting in excess of $400,000. During the investigation, authorities recovered $60,000 in cash from his residence, vacuum-sealed in bundles of $10,000 each.

Financial Crimes and Tax Evasion

The indictment details sophisticated financial structuring to conceal profits. Between August 14 and 16, 2021, Morris withdrew $11,300 through multiple transactions designed to avoid federal currency reporting requirements. Between January 6 and 10, 2022, he used the same method to withdraw more than $14,000. He also failed to report more than $418,000 in income between 2020 and 2024, with annual unreported earnings ranging from $45,000 to $125,000.

Officials Condemn Betrayal of Public Trust

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport condemned the alleged misconduct. "This defendant was a law enforcement officer entrusted with the power to use taxpayer resources to run firing ranges for nearly two decades," Davenport stated. "As alleged in the indictment, he exploited that position of public trust for his own personal benefit. This type of behavior not only depletes public funds, but it also erodes the public's trust in government."

Eric L. Gibson, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, detailed the financial scope. "Our investigation found that, for years, this defendant allegedly unlawfully padded his paycheck at the taxpayers' expense," Gibson said. "He also failed to report that windfall on his tax returns, further depriving the State, according to this indictment."

Acting NJDOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn reaffirmed the department's commitment to ethical standards. "The indictment of former Lieutenant Timothy Morris underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and ensuring that no individual is above the law," Kuhn stated. "The alleged actions of former Lt. Morris were a betrayal of the public trust and the values we demand at the New Jersey Department of Corrections."

Prosecution and Potential Consequences

Morris was arrested in March 2025, following the execution of search warrants. The case will proceed to arraignment in Superior Court. Deputy Attorneys General Richard T. Bobbe III and Brian O'Loughlin are prosecuting the case, supervised by Corruption Bureau Deputy Chief Marian Galietta, Bureau Director Jeffrey J. Manis, and Counsel Andrew Wellbrock. Morris is represented by defense attorney Patrick P. Toscano Jr. of Fairfield.

The diversion of state ammunition raises concerns about accountability within correctional facilities. Range masters control significant inventories of firearms and ammunition used for training purposes. The alleged theft occurred across multiple facilities over several years, suggesting potential gaps in inventory control.

The case highlights ongoing challenges with public corruption in New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability has prioritized investigating officials who exploit their positions for financial gain. Prosecutors will likely seek full restitution for the stolen funds and unpaid taxes.

If convicted on all counts, Morris could face decades in prison and substantial financial penalties. The case may prompt NJDOC to implement stricter inventory controls at its training facilities.

Sources

• New Jersey Attorney General's Office, "Former New Jersey Department of Corrections Lieutenant Indicted for Selling State Ammunition for Personal Profit” (March 13, 2026)

• WRNJ Radio, "Former NJ state corrections lieutenant indicted for selling state-owned ammunition for personal profit" (March 13, 2026)

• Daily Voice, "NJ Corrections Lieutenant Stole, Sold State Ammo For 400K: AG" (March 13, 2026)

• New Jersey 101.5, "NJ prison guard sold400K in state ammo for profit, AG says" (March 13, 2026)

• New Jersey Globe, "Former Corrections lieutenant indicted for selling state-owned ammunition" (March 13, 2026)