Prosecutor: Director of Brick Township Rec Department issued phony permits to play on ballfields

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The director of the Recreation Department in Brick Township is accused of stealing money from the township. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says Dan Santaniello was pocketing payments from permits to play on softball fields. According to the Brick Township mayor's office, Santaniello has been suspended from his post without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. Brick police accuse the director of allegedly telling teams to pay in cash if they wanted to use ballfields rather than writing checks to the township. Police accuse Santaniello of keeping that money while handing out phony permits. Brick Township Mayor Lisa Crate offered a statement that read, “This is truly a sad day for Brick Township. The Township takes very seriously any allegations involving the misuse of Township funds and will work in close partnership with law enforcement to ensure taxpayer dollars are safeguarded from abuse.” Santaniello started as the recreation director 10 years ago. He is expected to be in court Friday afternoon for a first appearance. "