William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MAY 20, 2026)(CNBNews)—The Gloucester City Police Department has charged longtime community activist Bruce Darrow of Brooklawn with the alleged theft of over $6,000 from the Carmen Paliero Basketball League. According to the press release, Darrow supposedly took the money between September 2016 and March 2026 during the time he was serving as president of the organization. The charge was placed on a summons pending a Central Judicial Processing Court Hearing.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CENTRAL JUDICIAL PROCESSING?
According to the law offices of William C. Fay IV, if you are in custody at Camden County Jail, you will appear before a judge using video conference equipment. Individuals who are released on their own recognizance in New Jersey must go to the court listed on their complaint for their first appearance. In the case of Central Judicial Processing for an indictable offense (also known as a felony), you will be required to appear in Camden County Superior Court.
At your CJP court appearance, which occurs before a judge, you will be told the charges against you. You are entitled to have a lawyer present with you at this hearing, and it is very important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer from the very beginning of your case. Central Judicial Processing is your lawyer’s first opportunity to speak to the prosecutor and try to get the charges against you downgraded or dismissed. During CJP, the prosecutor can also request that you be detained pending the resolution of your case. This often occurs in domestic violence cases and other cases involving violent crimes.
If the prosecutor files a motion for detention in your case, you will be scheduled for a detention hearing (also known as a bail hearing). This may take place on the same day as your first appearance or a few days later. New Jersey does not use a monetary bail system any longer, so you will not be required to post bail to get out of jail while you wait for your court date. Instead, a risk assessment system is used, and the judge will be required to release you from custody while you wait for your trial unless the judge determines that no condition or set of conditions could reasonably assure that you will not be a threat to someone else’s safety, fail to appear in court as scheduled, or obstruct the criminal justice system.
Darrow has served on both the Brooklawn Board of Education and on the Gloucester City Board of Education for decades. Presently, he serves on the Brooklawn Borough Council.
For 30 years, he and the late Thomas MacAdams volunteered to oversee the annual Brooklawn Wiffle Ball Tournament held each summer. That event raised $10,000 annually. He helped the Gloucester City Little League Ladies Auxiliary for over a decade. He was involved with the Gloucester City Mustang Football organization for eight years and was one of the organizers of the Brooklawn Bees Basketball Association. He also coached Little League Baseball for over 10 years, and coached kids in the Carmen Palmiero League for over 15 years. He ran free basketball clinics for the area youth on weekends or weeknights for over 15 years.
When asked about the charges, Bruce said, “I have 5 green TD bank cards that all look alike. One of those cards belonged to the CPBL, which I used to buy things that were needed for the CPBL. I have a personal credit card from that bank, and I must have mistakenly used the league’s card to make a personal purchase.”
“Over a decade ago, I coached the Alice Costello Grammar School basketball team for three years. My total salary for that time period was about $10,000. I gave that money back so the kids could all have new sneakers and any other equipment they needed at the time.”
If found guilty, Darrow faces Penalties and Sentencing
- Incarceration: A standard term of 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
- Fines: Up to \(\$15,000\) for general offenses, though certain drug-related charges can carry fines up to \(\$35,000\).
- Probation: For first-time offenders with no prior indictable convictions, there is a presumption of non-custodial or probationary sentences, meaning jail time may be avoided.
- Permanent Record: A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can impact future employment, housing, and professional licensing.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Having known Bruce Darrow for more than 50 years, I can attest to his exceptional character. He has been a long-time contributor to the Gloucester City News when I owned it and also to Cleary’s Notebook News, consistently volunteering his time and talent without seeking compensation. I recommend him without reservation.
