N.J. official indicted in farmland scam

An official in South Jersey is facing misconduct charges for allegedly misusing a farm grant program to benefit financially.

 

The attorney general’s office said Wednesday that 64-year-old Lawrence Durr of Chesterfield has been charged with official misconduct and speculating or wagering on official action or information. A message left for his attorney was not immediately returned.

 

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The longtime committeeman, mayor and planning board member in Chesterfield Township allegedly entered an undisclosed deal to sell a developer transferable development rights on a farm property that Durr bought next to his home.

Prosecutors say Durr used his position to make more than $370,000 in profit off a deal with a developer. He allegedly took advantage of a program that allows qualifying farm owners to sell development rights elsewhere in the area.

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