NJ Town Accused of Misusing Opioid Settlement Funds on Police Gear

Washington Township in New Jersey is under scrutiny for allegedly diverting more than $170,000 in opioid settlement funds to purchase police equipment rather than allocate them to substance abuse initiatives. The funds, intended to combat the opioid crisis, were reportedly used for 15 Flock surveillance cameras and two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs, according to NJ.com.

These expenditures occurred in 2024 and 2025, bypassing the stated purpose of the settlement money, which was meant for education, prevention, and treatment programs. Records indicate that no funds were spent on drug abuse prevention in schools, a key area targeted by the settlement.

The township claimed to have spent $134,321 on a middle school “narcotics and education” program in 2024 and an additional $36,125 in 2025 for “early prevention.” However, the bulk of the settlement money appears to have been directed towards law enforcement resources.

Washington Township has a documented history of struggling with the opioid epidemic, ranking among the worst 30% of New Jersey municipalities for addiction per capita. In 2019, the township recorded 5.78 cases per 1,000 people, followed by 5.36 cases per 1,000 people in 2021.

Sandy Gibson, an addiction specialist at The College of New Jersey, expressed strong disapproval, calling the alleged misuse “egregious” and questioning the accountability of state oversight. "But I would hold the state accountable. We’re not auditing?" Gibson told NJ.com.

The misuse of funds in Washington Township is reportedly part of a larger trend in New Jersey, where numerous communities have spent millions of dollars from opioid settlements on non-essential items, including concerts and branded merchandise.

Matthew Thomas Rooney, Washington Township solicitor, stated that the current administration is committed to transparency and reviewing budget priorities. He attributed any questionable purchases to the prior administration and affirmed the current administration's dedication to public safety and combating the opioid crisis.

Former Mayor Laurie Burns criticized the current Republican leadership, accusing them of attempting to evade responsibility for decisions made under their tenure. "They did it, and they have a responsibility to answer for it now," Burns wrote in an email.