Former NJ track coach jailed for taking $150K meant for team

By AP
Published

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) The former track coach for a community college in New Jersey has been sentenced to prison for stealing $150,000 from the school.

Michael Smart, of Roselle, was sentenced Friday to three years in state prison.

The former track coach for Essex County College pleaded guilty in December to using a debit card he was given for team expenses to steal money through ATM withdrawals.

Money was deposited into the account for coaches to pay for event fees, food and transportation, and coaches were supposed to submit receipts. But prosecutors say he took the money without providing any accounting or receipts.

Attorney General Christopher Porrino says it was a terrible betrayal.

Smart was permanently banned from public employment and must pay restitution.