SECAUCUS, N.J. — Four employees of the Secaucus Recreation Department have been arrested and charged with stealing pool chemicals from the town for use in their private pool maintenance company, Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Management.
John Schwartz (61), Frank Flanagan (32), Joseph Ferrara (27), and Megan Wofsy-Flanagan (31)—all Secaucus residents—were arrested Tuesday by Secaucus Police with assistance from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
All four face charges of Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Theft, and Theft of Service. In addition, Flanagan, Wofsy-Flanagan, and Ferrara were charged with Burglary. They were released pending court appearances.
Background and Allegations
Police began investigating in March after receiving a tip from a resident that town employees were stealing chemicals from the Secaucus town pool on Koelle Boulevard. Surveillance and undercover operations revealed that thousands of dollars’ worth of pool chemicals were being stolen—both during and outside of their town work hours.
The chemicals were allegedly used for Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Management, a private business owned and operated by the suspects, which serviced pools in Hudson, Bergen, Morris, and Somerset counties.
In some instances, suspects reportedly worked on private pools while still clocked in for the town, and even used municipal vehicles during the work.
Misuse of Lifeguard Certification Program
Investigators also uncovered that Wofsy-Flanagan, the town’s head lifeguard, used Crystal Clear Pool to certify lifeguards at a fee. The students paid Crystal Clear, while the town was also billed for their certifications, and some instructors were paid by the town to teach those classes.
Classes were held at the Secaucus Rec Center, yet Crystal Clear never paid any rental fees to use the public facility.
Searches and Additional Arrests
Court-authorized searches were carried out on June 10 at two Rec Department locations, the homes of Flanagan and Wofsy-Flanagan, and several vehicles. Authorities confirmed they recovered evidence tied to the ongoing investigation.
Two additional individuals—not employed by the town—were also arrested after being seen stealing chemicals with the suspects.
Officials Respond
“The town of Secaucus is very disheartened by the alleged actions,” said Town Administrator Gary Jeffas. “Any violation of public trust will not be tolerated.”
Police Chief Dennis Miller added,
“It is unfortunate that the public’s trust has been violated, but the Secaucus Police Department will attempt to restore that trust by holding the individuals involved accountable.”
