Atlantic County public worker accused of stealing county’s fuel

An Atlantic County Department of Public Works employee and three others are accused of using county-owned diesel to fuel the employee’s fleet of trucks for his business, according to local law enforcement.

Joseph Ridley, 47, from Mays Landing, is a supervisor in the county’s Roads and Bridges Department and faces theft and misconduct charges for his alleged actions.

Authorities say on May 27, Atlantic County Fleet Management authorities noticed a large box truck being fueled at a fueling station owned by the county in Northfield. Those in the truck drove away when approached by staff, according to authorities.

Police said a subsequent investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office found a diesel bypass code used in the computer system allowed the fueling, and that Ridley gave…