Resident urges forensic audit after allegations of contraband firefighting equipment at Long Branch Fire Department

At the June 25 meeting, Vincent Lepore alleged that firefighting equipment seized from the Long Branch Fire Department had originated at a U.S. Army base and that the city’s auditors failed to detect the transfers.

Lepore told the council that a former Long Branch fire chief and another department member—both alleged in other public reports to face charges from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office for falsification and destruction of public records—had obtained federal equipment and that the city “completely failed in monitoring what was taking place.” He asked Council President Mario Vieira whether the city would hire a forensic auditor to assess the economic impact of the alleged contraband equipment and whether the council would cooperate with federal authorities in the investigation.

During his remarks, Lepore said he had asked several direct questions and that he had not received answers from the council president. The council did not vote on hiring an auditor during the meeting; no administration response committing to an audit was recorded in open session.

Lepore also said members of the fire department should be aware that federal investigators are involved, and he criticized the city’s financial oversight. The council did not announce any immediate investigatory steps on the record; the council president did not answer Lepore’s question during the public comment period.