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Mark W. Holmes Sr, the former Executive Director of the Asbury Park Housing Authority has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $90,000 from the organization between 2008 and 2011, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced in a written news statement.

Holmes, 56, is a resident of Lawrence Township and former mayor and councilman there.

He pleaded guilty to second degree theft by unlawful taking Tuesday before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge John R. Tassini. He now faces a five year sentence.

As part of his plea agreement, Holmes agreed to pay $35,000 in restitution for monies he has not reimbursed to the Asbury Park Housing Authority [APHA], to forfeit his government-funded pension, and any future public employment in the State.

“Everyone, including public officials, must be held accountable when they break the law,” Gramiccioni said in the written statement. “Public service is a privilege and requires a level of trust by our constituents – a trust that Mr. Holmes exploited.”

An investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that, during his period of employment with the Housing Authority, Holmes stole more than $90,000 by diverting state grant funds, collecting reimbursements for unauthorized meals, and double-dipping on per diem payments when traveling, officials said.

Holmes served as Executive Director of APHA from December 2008 to June 2011.

Just months prior to assuming the role, Holmes, as Deputy Director, applied for and received a $99,897 grant award from the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The Literacy Skills Training Grant was intended to provide training in computers and other marketable skills for Asbury Park public housing residents, officials said. Between November 2008 and August 2009, the APHA received over $75,000 from the State as part of the grant.  

Holmes transferred over $58,000 of the funds to the APHA Community Development Corporation, an organization he created, officials said. Rather than use the money for training purposes, Holmes used the money to fund a $50,000 salary increase for himself without APHA Board approval.

The investigation further revealed that credit cards Holmes opened in the name of the “APHA” and “APHA Community Development Corporation” were used for personal expenses. He changed the mailing addresses for the bills to go directly to his personal residence and racked up over $30,000 in debt, officials said. While serving as Executive Director for a two and a half year period, Holmes went on more than 30 business trips across the country. Prior to these trips, Holmes received over $22,000 in per diem payments from the APHA which were intended to cover meal expenses while away on business.  

Upon his return, even though he had already received these monies, Holmes sought and received duplicate reimbursements from the APHA for meals. He also used APHA funds for personal expenditures while on these trips, including spa treatments, hotel in-room movies, and gentlemen’s clubs. On at least three occasions, he used APHA funds to pay for stretch limousine service to transport him and his family to and from the airport. Holmes also used over $13,000 of APHA funds for unauthorized meal expenses in the Asbury Park and Lawrenceville areas, officials said.

Holmes is scheduled for sentencing on April 6, officials said.

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