Former N.J. School Chief Heads to Prison

The former superintendent of New Jersey’s fourth-largest school district is trading the classroom for a prison cell.

A federal judge on Sept. 14 sentenced former Toms River Superintendent Michael Ritacco to more than 11 years in prison. Ritacco pleaded guilty in April to public corruption and tax evasion charges. He was accused along with an insurance broker of concealing more than $1 million in bribes from other brokers and service providers.

The scheme took place between 2002 and 2010. Ritacco abruptly retired shortly after his arrest in 2010. The judge called it the worst case of corruption out of the many he’s presided over. The insurance broker also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.