Politics & Government

Manchester's Administrator, A Berkeley Resident, Suspended After Cocaine Arrest

Audit shows no funds missing, mayor says

by Patricia A. Miller

Mayor Michael Fressola has suspended Township Administrator Elena Zsoldos, a Berkeley resident, without pay and benefits, after her arrest on cocaine possession in Asbury Park.

“I’m deeply saddened and disappointed by this information, as Administrator Zsoldos was a valuable and dedicated employee,” Fressola said today. “The residents of Manchester Township can rest assured that we take these allegations very seriously. The Township will continue to move forward with serving our residents.”

Township officials were notified by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office late Monday that Zsoldos was arrested in their jurisdiction, he said.

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"The township has audited all of Zsoldos’ activity as business administrator and has found no indication she abused her authority," the mayor said. "Safeguards have been in place for many years that would have prevented Zsoldos from having individual access to funds, as two signatures are required to draw funds from Manchester’s accounts."

Those safeguards were put into place more than two decades ago, after the scandal involving former Township Administrator Joseph Portash.  A ring of Manchester officials - led by Portash - looted more than $10 million from the township's treasury.

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Asbury Park Police Capt. Anthony Salerno confirmed that Zsoldos was arrested at 2:19 p.m. Monday on the 1200 block of Main Street. He referred further questions about the arrest to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, according to a story in the Asbury Park Press on Tuesday.

Fressola said the township will fully cooperate with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office during the investigation.






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