DPW head suspended during criminal probe into Internet sex crime
SUSSEX-The Mayor and Council of Sussex Borough who met last night was faced with one of the sensitive matter of charges of criminal misconduct lodged against one of its employees. Jeff Card, 49, public works manager for Sussex, was arrested last Wednesday at his home on Munson Street after an online undercover investigation into illicit chat sessions with minors, according to the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. After an executive session to discuss the matter, the council voted to suspend Card from his $60,000 job with pay pending the completion of a grand jury investigation into the charges against him. The council said it would review Card's status after the grand jury reports. Cards misdemeanors of committing lewd sexual acts via the internet resulted in charges of second-degree attempted sexual assault, second-degree official misconduct and attempted endangerment and criminal contact of a minor, which are third-degree crimes. Card's earns $60,000 a year for overseeing the borough's roads and sewers. He is responsible for organizing the contractors who bid on public works jobs as well as foremen and laborers who work for the borough. Particularly in the past year, the borough has addressed a large number of sewer repairs and road issues caused by an old and failing infrastructure. Card, who has received glowing reviews in the past from the governing body for his work, has been the key player for the town on these projects. Mayor Katherine Little, who was contacted last Friday after Card's arrest said, "At the present time, I do not know all the facts and don't care to comment. But I will say this, that he has always been professional and cooperative and had the town's welfare at heart." Little and the council went into executive session at their meeting Monday night to discuss Card, justifying the closed doors under state law that allows private discussions of personnel matters. Afterwards, Little announced the council's decision to suspend Card. "After last night's session, the governing body did take action," said Vito Gadaleta, Sussex Borough Clerk. "Council voted to suspend Mr. Card with pay pending grand jury action on his case. At that time when the grand jury acts, the council will further review the issue."