Court Vendor Gets Probation Term For Misappropriating Funds

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (AP) — A former state court vendor has been sentenced to five years of probation for misappropriating $74,000 in public funds in order to fuel a gambling addiction.

Burlington County prosecutors say Kenneth Culligan took the money over a three-year period while he was responsible for collecting judgments. The 54-year-old Evesham man had pleaded guilty last October to misappropriating entrusted property.

As part of the sentence handed down Friday, Culligan must pay $44,201 in restitution and will be barred from holding public employment or office in New Jersey. He also will be barred from any type of gambling activity.

Culligan was an independent vendor who worked for the state Superior Court vicinages in Burlington and Camden counties. He collected and disbursed debts owed to creditors.

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