A former manager at NJ Transit has admitted to a significant theft scheme involving nearly 1,100 cell phones, with prosecutors stating that the criminal activity was carried out over several years. Peejay Manila, aged 37 and residing in Little Ferry, New Jersey, confessed to the charges during a court hearing held on March 24.
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The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General released a statement detailing Manila’s illicit activities. According to the information provided, the theft commenced in the autumn of 2020 and continued for a period exceeding four years. Manila appropriated cell phones that were meant solely for official use by NJ Transit staff, costing the agency approximately $1.3 million.
During his tenure at NJ Transit, Manila held the position of senior director before advancing to the role of chief of digital workspace. This position granted him access to the agency’s account with a mobile service provider, which was intended exclusively for the acquisition of work-related devices. Prosecutors indicated that he placed orders for these phones under the pretext of business purposes, only to later resell them.
The investigation revealed that Manila took further steps to facilitate his operation. He allegedly enlisted the help of a colleague to bypass a security setting that prevented the resale of work devices. The stolen phones were sold to various buyback companies over the years.
Law enforcement’s scrutiny culminated in May 2025 when they obtained a search warrant to investigate Manila’s apartment, office, and vehicle. During the search, authorities discovered 20 phones at his residence, 11 of which were brand new and still sealed in their original boxes. Many were also found carefully packaged for resale.
In addition to the theft charges of “theft by unlawful taking,” Manila pleaded guilty to failing to report or pay taxes on the income derived from these illicit sales. The Attorney General’s office is recommending a prison sentence of five years, alongside restitution amounting to approximately $1.38 million to NJ Transit as part of a plea agreement.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport expressed her dismay at Manila’s actions, highlighting the breach of public trust involved in his scheme. “For years, this defendant stole from NJ Transit in order to fund his lavish lifestyle,” she stated. Davenport emphasised that the Attorney General’s office would remain vigilant in safeguarding public funds and upholding the integrity of public service positions.
Furthermore, Manila has consented to file amended tax returns for the years spanning 2021 to 2024, reportedly reflecting a tax liability estimated at around $56,000 in unpaid taxes due to his deceptive activities.
As of now, NJ Transit has not provided a formal comment regarding the case. This incident raises alarms about the importance of oversight within publicly funded agencies, particularly concerning the digital resources and technology distributed for official use.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse in positions of public trust and highlights the consequences of unethical behaviour. As sentencing approaches, the implications of Manila’s actions will resonate not only within NJ Transit but also throughout the broader community that relies on public trust and accountability in governmental operations.