Three New Jersey sheriff’s officers eyed for double-dipping

New Jersey’s Treasury Department is investigating a possible case of double-dipping by three sheriff’s officers. The probe aims to find out if the officers are eligible to collect pensions while also serving in other positions.

“They are performing the duties of a job that should be in the pension system, while they’re also pulling a salary out of the pension system. It’s like a double whammy,” John Sierchio, chairman of the state Police and Firemen’s Retirement System’s board of trustees, told the Star-Ledger.

Under investigation are Essex County’s chief warrant officer, John Dough; Monmouth County’s former chief warrant officer, Michael Donovan; and Union County’s sheriff’s chief, Harold Gibson.

If the men — who are collecting salaries that pay into a pension fund from which they are also collection — are found to be in violation, they could end up having to repay the state.