A longtime lieutenant with the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) has been accused of orchestrating an extensive ammunition theft scheme, allegedly stealing millions of rounds of taxpayer-funded ammunition and selling it for personal profit. According to a criminal complaint filed in Ocean County, Timothy John Morris, 56, a veteran of the DOC, used his position as the agency’s Range Master to funnel state-owned ammunition to a gun supply store in exchange for over $475,000.
Official Misconduct and Grand-Scale Theft
The complaint-warrant, reviewed as part of this report, details Morris’s alleged crimes, which spanned from January 2019 until his recent arrest on March 11, 2025. Charged with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree theft, and third-degree structuring financial transactions, Morris faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Deputy Attorney General Richard Bobbe is leading the prosecution.
The investigation found that Morris, responsible for maintaining the DOC’s firearm ranges and ammunition inventory, ordered excessive amounts of ammunition far beyond the department’s needs. Instead of ensuring proper allocation, he allegedly diverted the excess stock to the secondary market, selling it directly to an unnamed gun supply store.
Millions of Rounds Unaccounted For
Dana DiFilippo of The New Jersey Monitor reports that authorities uncovered the massive discrepancy after discovering that millions of rounds ordered under Morris’s supervision were missing from DOC storage. The state’s Special Investigations Division, the New Jersey State Police, and the Attorney General’s Public Integrity and Accountability Office collaborated on the probe, eventually leading to Morris’s arrest.
According to the complaint, the ammunition was sold over multiple transactions, with payments made via both cash and check. However, rather than depositing large sums that would trigger mandatory financial reporting, Morris allegedly structured the transactions by cashing checks in increments under $10,000 – avoiding scrutiny from banks and federal regulators.
Manipulating the System for Profit
Darwin Nercesian of The Truth About Guns notes that Morris not only stole from the taxpayers but also carefully maneuvered through financial loopholes to conceal his scheme. Banks are required to report cash transactions exceeding $10,000, so Morris allegedly cashed multiple smaller checks at various banks to avoid detection. This practice, known as structuring, is a criminal offense under both state and federal law.
Attorney General Matt Platkin condemned the alleged misconduct, stating: “As the allegations in this case show, corruption is an expensive drain on public resources and victimizes taxpayers. My office refuses to accept that as business as usual.”
An Unusual Level of Leniency?
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Morris was booked at the Ocean County Jail and immediately released, raising questions about whether he is receiving preferential treatment. Troy of 2A News Now argues that the case appears to be an example of leniency for law enforcement officers who break the law.
“If a regular citizen stole millions of rounds of ammunition and made nearly half a million dollars from it, they’d be looking at a much harsher set of charges. Why isn’t he being charged with grand theft?” Troy asks.
The Scope of the Alleged Crime
The extent of the theft is staggering. DiFilippo’s reporting highlights that Morris’s control over multiple DOC firing ranges gave him the ability to manipulate orders without immediate detection. The facilities under his command included locations in Annandale, Browns Mills, Maurice River, Sea Girt, and Trenton – each stocked with vast amounts of ammunition.
Investigators believe Morris siphoned off ammunition over the years, exploiting his position to enrich himself at taxpayers’ expense. Given that the DOC handles law enforcement training, the stolen rounds were likely intended for officers’ firearms proficiency training – meaning this theft may have directly impacted state law enforcement resources.
A Systemic Failure in Oversight
Nercesian points out that this case raises serious concerns about oversight within New Jersey’s corrections system. How did one individual manage to steal such large amounts of ammunition over multiple years without anyone noticing? It’s a glaring indictment of the DOC’s inventory management and auditing processes.
Moreover, this case highlights broader issues in government procurement and accountability. The fact that it took years to uncover the scheme suggests a deep failure in internal controls. Had proper auditing been conducted regularly, this theft might have been caught much earlier.
Public Reaction and Calls for Transparency
Public trust in law enforcement has been strained by cases like this, and officials recognize the damage done. DOC Commissioner Victoria Kuhn stated: “Correctional police officers are sworn to uphold the law, and when they violate their oath, it erodes public trust.”
Troy from 2A News Now argues that Morris’s release pending trial is another example of the system protecting its own. “If a civilian were caught selling stolen state property, they’d be sitting in jail with a massive bail,” he remarks. “This guy walked right out the door.”
Where Did the Ammo Go?
One major question remains: where is all the stolen ammunition now? While reports confirm that Morris sold it to a gun store, officials have yet to disclose whether any of it has been recovered. Additionally, it is unclear whether the gun store that purchased the stolen ammunition will face any legal consequences.
Nercesian notes that authorities have not ruled out further arrests. If the store knowingly bought stolen ammunition, its owners could face charges of receiving stolen property. Given the vast quantity involved, it’s likely that at least some of the stolen rounds have made their way into private hands.
What Comes Next?
Morris’s trial will determine whether he is convicted and what sentence he may face, but the larger issue is whether this case will prompt reforms in the DOC’s inventory tracking. It’s unlikely that this was the only case of mismanagement within the department, and it raises concerns about how state agencies prevent fraud.
DiFilippo and Nercesian both stress that the case has national implications. If a law enforcement official could manipulate the system for years without detection in New Jersey, similar schemes could be occurring elsewhere. It underscores the importance of accountability, financial transparency, and regular audits for government agencies handling weapons and ammunition.
A Scandal That Shouldn’t Have Happened
This case isn’t just about one man’s greed – it’s about systemic failure. How does someone in a position of authority manage to steal millions of rounds of ammunition over years without anyone noticing? And more importantly, what safeguards are in place now to ensure it doesn’t happen again?
The case of Lt. Timothy Morris is a sobering reminder of what happens when oversight is lax and power is unchecked. If convicted, Morris will face a long prison sentence, but the greater challenge will be restoring the trust of taxpayers who expect their law enforcement agencies to operate with integrity.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.