Brick official pleads guilty to theft

A local official in Brick admitted to taking cash payments to use the township’s recreation facilities and then pocketing the money.

Daniel Santaniello, 46, issued fake permits to private organizations to use the softball fields.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer is seeking a 180-day prison term as a condition of probation when Santaniello is sentenced on January 31.  He’s being asked to reimburse the township $9,260 and agree to a lifetime ban on public employment.

Santaniello became Brick’s recreation director in 2015 and was named Professional of the Year by the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association in 2016.   He grew up in Brick. His annual salary is $135,409.

He was arrested at his home on July 17.