Toms River, N.J., Schools Owed $4.3M From Insurance Kickback Scheme

A federal judge last week has ordered millions of dollars in restitution for the Toms River, N.J., regional school district stemming from a bribery and kickback scheme.

Former Superintendent Michael Ritacco and the district’s former insurance broker, Francis Gartland, have been ordered to pay more than $4.3 million in restitution.

Ritacco and Garland are each serving 11-year prison sentences. Ritacco has already forfeited $1 million, a Mercedes Benz and nearly $9,000 in cash.

Former athletics and special projects supervisor Frank D’Alonzo must pay more than $1.6 million in restitution.

Prosecutors say Ritacco accepted up to $2 million in bribes and other benefits in return for helping Gartland obtain insurance contracts with the district.

Gartland must forfeit $11 million and D’Alonzo must forfeit $4.3 million to the federal government.