NJ Public Works Supervisor Indicted for $80K Diesel Theft Scheme

Key Details Joseph Jenkins-Ridley, 48, was indicted by an Atlantic County Grand Jury on March 10, 2026 for orchestrating a large-scale diesel fuel theft operation. The second-degree charges include Official Misconduct, Theft, and Conspiracy. The Scheme Jenkins-Ridley held dual roles as a supervisor in Atlantic County Public Works' Roads and Bridges Division while owning Z5 Logistics LLC. From March 2023 onward, he directed Z5 employees to fuel company trucks almost daily at county pumps, stealing nearly $80,000 worth of diesel fuel. Investigation and Arrests The theft was discovered in May 2025 when county fuel logs showed irregularities. Jenkins-Ridley and three Z5 employees - Zakar Ridley, Jason Meredith, and Corey Smith - were arrested in June 2025. Why It Matters This case highlights the critical importance of fuel inventory controls and audit procedures for fleet operators and government agencies. The scheme demonstrates how position and access can be exploited, making it essential for fleet managers and government supervisors to implement robust checks and oversight systems to prevent similar fraud.