Frank Ginesi, frmr. president of the NJ State Policeman’s Benevolent Assn. (PBA), said on April 21 that he had no idea how he ended up in fed. court. But earlier that day, he confessed to U.S. Dist. Judge Dennis Cavanaugh (NJ, Clinton) that from 1991 through 1996, he had withdrawn more than $1 million from the PBA’s funds “in a manner not authorized by the [PBA] constitution and by-laws.” He also admitted setting up four accounts at the Family First (later Great Falls) bank without ever informing the membership.
Federal investigators say that Ginesi, along with William Saksinsky and Edward Rappleyea, used the funds to buy real estate, jewelry and cars. Saksinsky pled guilty to defrauding the PBA of at least $345,000 on Aug. 10, 2000. Rappleyea pled guilty to stealing $170,000 the same day. Ginesi, 80, tried to avoid trial by claiming he was in poor health. Proceedings were also delayed by changes in the presiding judge, prosecuting attny., and defense lawyer. Ginesi pled guilty to two counts of the 36-count indictment. While the figure has yet to be determined, Asst. U.S. Attny. Mark McCarren said he expects Ginesi will be ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution and fines. [Newark Star-Ledger, 4/22/03]