Favorable Decision for an Ex-Cop Who Cooperated with Federal Investigation to Avoid Prison Time
Aidan O'Connor, Co-Chair of the firm’s Criminal Defense Practice Group, received a favorable federal court decision on July 10, 2018 on behalf of former Jersey City police officer Andrea Fahrenholz, who admitted to stealing more than $160,000 through the city's off-duty jobs. Ms. Fahrenholz, who had faced up to two years in prison for her role in receiving fraudulent payments, was sentenced instead to five years of probation and eight months of home confinement. She must also repay the money that she stole.
O’Connor presented evidence that Ms. Fahrenholz had fully cooperated with a federal investigation, providing information to federal authorities that resulted in charges against two other police officers.
Fahrenholz, of Clifton, told Judge John Michael Vasquez, she took "full responsibilities" for defrauding the city.
“I am very pleased with Judge Vasquez’s sentence,” said O’Connor, “The sentence allows Ms. Fahrenholz to attend classes, medical appointments, and court-ordered meetings. She is also permitted to continue to help care for her sister's two daughters, with whom she resides.”
Aidan P. O’Connor was quoted in the article, "Ex-Cop Avoids Prison for Stealing $167K from Off-Duty Jobs Program," on NJ.com.
The article is in regard to a former Jersey City police officer who admitted to stealing more than $160,000 through the city's off-duty jobs program was spared prison time when sentenced in federal court.
Andrea Fahrenholz, 39, was sentenced to five years of probation and eight months of home confinement. She had faced up two years in prison for her role in the scheme that in ensnared 11 officers, including former Chief Phil Zacche.
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