Deputy collector accused of stealing tax payment

Prosecutors say a deputy tax collector for a southern New Jersey town stole cash that a property owner paid to settle a tax debt.

Brenda Adkins faces theft and official misconduct charges in connection with the money that went missing from the Buena Vista Township tax collector's office in March 2011. Township officials reported the matter to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, which announced the charges on Friday.

Prosecutors say Adkins, a 46-year-old Mays Landing resident, purposely failed to deposit the payment of roughly $1,156 into the town's bank account. The money was later found in her desk drawer, and Adkins allegedly used some for personal purposes.

It was not known if Adkins has retained a lawyer, and she could not be reached for comment Sunday. - AP