The former Public Works Inspector in Ridgewood, New Jersey recently accepted a plea agreement in court for his role in a string of quarter thefts.
The former Public Works Inspector in Ridgewood, New Jersey recently accepted a plea agreement in court for his role in a string of thefts. 43-year-old Thomas Rica was accused of stealing over 450 grand out of Ridgewood’s coin-collection room.
Prior to his arrest last year, Rica pocketed about 1.8 million quarters over the course of 25 months. Rica did not have exclusive access to the parking meter collection room, however he did have a master key because of his specific job duties.
According to court officials, the coins were taken steadily. It’s unclear how many times Rica visited the coin storage room, but it was pointed out that in some of the individual thefts, more than $500 was taken.
Prosecutors said Rica turned in the quarters at several different bank braches. He then printed out a receipt for a deposit into his own account.
Rica had been making over 85 grand a year prior to his arrest. In court, he pleaded guilty to four counts of theft.
He will not receive jail time, however Rica is required to pay exactly $460,600 back to the Village of Ridgewood. The first $69,600 chunk will be due at his sentencing hearing on June 6th.
He will then have to pay $2,000 every month after that. (2,4,1) Rica will also be placed on 5 years probation.
