January 21, 2003

FORMER TREASURER OF CRIMESTOPPERS INDICTED

Trenton, NJ—Mercer County Prosecutor Daniel G. Giaquinto today announced that a Mercer County Grand Jury returned a two (2)-count indictment against Larry A. Sheffield, age 59, the former treasurer of the Greater Trenton Crimestoppers.  The indictment charges Sheffield with theft by deception and theft by failing to make required disposition of property received—both third degree crimes. 

            According to Prosecutor Giaquinto, law enforcement officials allege that Sheffield stole approximately $16,000 from the Crimestoppers organization between January 1 and November 26, 2002. 

            If convicted, Sheffield faces a maximum of ten years in prison. 

            Prosecutor Giaquinto stated that “this type of offense is shocking to the conscious and represents a serious breach of the trust that the Crimestoppers organization and the public placed in Mr. Sheffield.  Crimestoppers can play a vital role in law enforcement and, unfortunately, Mr. Sheffield has undermined the organization’s mission for his own personal gain.” 

            Despite having been indicted, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.