Questions Arise Over Status of Councilwoman Accused of Shoplifting

All eyes will be on the chair of Hopatong Borough Council member Estelle Klein at the next Mayor/Council meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 2.

Klein has missed at least two meetings since her Aug. 6 arrest for allegedly stealing about $40 in filet Mignon and other items from a Netcong ShopRite, leading police on a slow-speed car chase and resisting arrest. And My9NJ.com reports that some area residents—and Shop Rite workers—say she should be removed from the town's governing body. 

Klein's next court hearing in connection with the ShopRite incident is scheduled for Oct. 1.

The councilwoman is applying for pre-trial intervention, through which she could end up with the charges dismissed and a clean criminal record. However Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Ruiz told the New Jersey Herald Sept. 10 that negotiations regarding a plea offer are ongoing and that the current offer does not include PTI. 

According to borough law, Klein, who Town Attorney John Ursin confirmed has missed at least two council meetings since being arrested, can be voted off the body if she misses four sessions. Ursin would not say whether Klein has missed a third meeting.