Assemblyman Michael J Inganamort of the State of New Jersey said on April 11 that he has urged the Attorney General to begin prosecuting cases of fraud and abuse identified in recent state investigations into public spending.
The issue centers on accountability for taxpayer dollars, following more than 100 reports from the former acting State Comptroller documenting instances of corruption, waste, and abuse. These findings have prompted calls for legal action against those responsible, as lawmakers seek to address vulnerabilities in government operations.
“Before leaving office in January, the State Comptroller issued more than 100 reports exposing clear cases of corruption and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Yesterday, I pressed the Attorney General to begin prosecuting them. I’d like to know when you’re going to dedicate the time to prosecuting these very specific instances of fraud that have already been uncovered. The legwork has been done. They’re simply waiting for you to prosecute them,” Inganamort said according to his social media post following an exchange with the Attorney General at an Assembly budget hearing in Trenton. His comments referred to work completed by the outgoing State Comptroller before leaving office in January.
The former acting State Comptroller produced more than 100 reports during his tenure documenting fraud, waste, and abuse that cost New Jersey taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, according to multiple state government reviews. The investigations examined public health insurance funds, nursing home operations, and pension system weaknesses, while also offering reform recommendations that remain largely unaddressed. Lawmakers have urged the Attorney General’s office to pursue criminal referrals stemming from these findings according to New Jersey Monitor.
New Jersey taxpayers paid $121 million in lawsuit settlements and judgments in 2023 alone, according to state records. Watchdog investigations have repeatedly identified vulnerabilities in government contracting, benefit programs, and procurement processes that enable waste and improper payments across state and local agencies. These issues continue to divert funds from core public services while increasing the overall tax burden on residents according to New Jersey Monitor.
Inganamort represents the 24th Legislative District, which includes all of Sussex County and parts of Morris and Warren counties. The Republican lawmaker previously served as mayor of Chester Township and held roles in the U.S. Department of the Interior and on Capitol Hill before his election to the General Assembly in 2024 according to his official biography.
