Under plea deal, Morris Plains cop accused of bilking PBA would forfeit badge and repay $65K

Morris Plains Police Officer Adam Klymko
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Morris Plains Patrolman Adam J. Klymko would hand in his badge, serve five years of probation, and repay $65,000 he is accused of stealing from his PBA local, under a plea deal offered by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

The terms were spelled out Tuesday in a virtual conference before state Superior Court Judge David Ironson.

Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Vincent Leo at virtual hearing for Morris Plains Patrolman Adam J. Klymko, July 28, 2020. Screen capture by Kevin Coughlin

Klymko, who served as treasurer of PBA Local 254, may be on the hook for higher restitution, according to Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Vincent Leo.

Grand jury subpoenas were being issued for more financial records, which may reveal the police officer stole additional money, Leo said.

The plea offer may be amended to reflect that higher amount for repayment when the parties return, online, before the judge on Sept. 1, 2020. Restitution would be made over the five-year probation period.

Another provision of the offer would bar the 30-year-old Klymko from future public employment, should he agree to plead guilty to third-degree theft.

Superior Court Judge David Ironson at virtual hearing for Morris Plains Patrolman Adam J. Klymko, July 28, 2020. Screen capture by Kevin Coughlin

That charge, which carries maximum penalties of five years in prison and $10,000 in fines upon conviction, applies to thefts of up to $75,000.

The Prosecutor’s Office will not pursue tougher charges if investigators find that Klymko’s alleged crime exceeded that maximum, Leo told Judge Ironson via Zoom.

Klymko participated in the pre-indictment conference by telephone, but did not comment on the charges or the plea. He was represented by attorney Patrick Caserta.

Defense lawyer Patrick Caserta at virtual hearing for Morris Plains Patrolman Adam J. Klymko, July 28, 2020. Screen capture by Kevin Coughlin

A Morris Plains police officer since 2012, Klymko is accused of bilking the PBA’s Operations and Fund Drive accounts for personal expenses, online purchases and activities. Authorities say he also sent stolen money to family and friends.

PBA President Anne Marie Ferris, a patrol officer, reported her suspicions to the borough’s new police chief, Michael Koroski, who contacted the Prosecutor’s Office, according to a probable cause affidavit. Klymko was charged in June 3, 2020.

Klymko allegedly covered his tracks by liquidating a PBA mutual fund, to maintain positive balances in the accounts he is suspected of siphoning.  He converted funds to his own use via a combination of cash withdrawals, banking apps, and credit card debit authorizations, investigators contend.

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