Former chair of Morristown Housing Authority accused of theft with company credit card

Kyle Morel, Morristown Daily Record
·2 min read
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The former chair of the Morristown Housing Authority has been charged with theft after Morris County officials say she used a company-issued credit card to take nearly $25,000 earlier this year.

Maureen Denman, 61, made 97 ATM withdrawals totaling $24,860 between Feb. 10 and April 6, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed last Friday by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. The complaint also states that she changed the status of a credit card issued by the housing authority "without authorization to do so," which allowed her to make the withdrawals.

Denman was executive director of the Morristown Community Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the housing authority, at the time of the alleged crimes. She is also listed online as the chair of the Morristown Environmental Commission as well as acting treasurer of the town Democratic Committee.

The Morristown Housing Authority owns and manages 470 units of public housing including senior housing at 31 Early Street. The agency administers 186 Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly known as Section 8.
The Morristown Housing Authority owns and manages 470 units of public housing including senior housing at 31 Early Street. The agency administers 186 Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly known as Section 8.

Housing authority executive director Keith Kinard described the Morristown Community Development Corporation as a "development arm" of his agency, with a mission to explore new affordable housing opportunities in Morristown. He confirmed to the Daily Record that Denman served as chair of the housing authority before leaving for the offshoot organization.

"Any alleged theft was related to her role with [Morristown Community Development Corporation]," he said.

Kinard reported the suspected theft and fraud by an employee to the prosecutor's office on Aug. 2, according to the affidavit. An investigation revealed that Denman conducted unauthorized withdrawals with a Lakeland Bank credit card issued by the Morristown Community Development Corporation to use for "families in need."

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Denman did not comment on the allegations but provided a statement Wednesday night from her attorney, W. Michael Murphy. Murphy highlighted his client's years of volunteer service to Morristown and called her "a source of assistance to numerous individuals who have suffered from challenging issues."

"Her friendship and mentoring remains a source of comfort and inspiration to countless friends, family members and neighbors," Murphy said. "Over the next several months she will steadfastly address the issues that have arisen during her time of service to the Morristown Housing Authority."

Denman is facing third-degree theft and fraud charges, the affidavit said. She has an appearance in Morris County Superior Court scheduled for Oct. 18.

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Morristown NJ Housing Authority official chair with theft