Former Hotel Owner from Galloway Charged with Offering a Bribe in Monmouth County

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office says the former co-owner of the Belmar Beach Hotel has been charged in connection with an attempt to bribe a Belmar fire marshal.

Officials have charged 71-year-old Gabe Baron of Galloway Township with second and third degree offer of unlawful benefit to public servant for official behavior.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni says Baron offered to make a cash donation to a Belmar fire company in order to ward-off summonses and penalties issued for his property by a municipal fire marshal. The fire marshal immediately terminated the conversation and alerted Belmar police.

If convicted of the second degree offense, Baron faces five to ten years in state prison, and/or three to five years in prison if convicted of the third degree offense.