Former Ventnor code enforcement officer indicted on charges of pocketing $75K

Michelle Calderon, aged 37, formerly a code enforcement officer with the City of Ventnor, found herself indicted on several serious charges on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

The indictment, handed down by authorities, alleges a series of offenses including Second-degree Pattern of Official Misconduct, Second-degree Official Misconduct, Second-degree Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Second-degree Failure to Make Lawful Disposition of Property, Second-degree Altering Computer Software to Commit Theft, and Fourth-degree Tampering with Records.

The investigation that led to these charges was initiated when discrepancies surfaced within the financial records of the City of Ventnor.

According to court documents, Calderon took more than $75,000 between January 2021 and June 2023.

It is claimed that Calderon, a resident of Egg Harbor Township, diverted cash payments intended for city permits from citizens and businesses, pocketing the funds for personal use.

To conceal these actions, she allegedly manipulated the balance sheets using a computer owned by the city.

The collaborative efforts of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Professional Standards & Accountability Unit and the Ventnor City Police Department brought this matter to light.

Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Remy is representing the state in this case, but the defendant is considered innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

The public is encouraged to come forward with any pertinent information regarding this case or other significant criminal activities.

Individuals can contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or submit information anonymously through the Prosecutor’s Office Website at ACPO.Tips.

Additionally, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS), or through their website http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/, offering rewards for information leading to the apprehension and indictment of individuals involved in criminal activities within Atlantic County.