Ex-school guard charged

Thursday, March 06, 2008

A 40-year-old former Jersey City schools security guard is among 12 people indicted by the state Attorney General's Office and accused of fraudulently collecting more than $160,000 in unemployment benefits.

Michael Watterman, 40, of Jersey City, was charged on Feb. 14 with allegedly collecting three UI claims in 2002, 2003, and 2004 totaling $14,214 while working as a security guard for Spectaguard Acquisition LLC, the Jersey City Public Schools, and Bowles Corporate Services, authorities said.

A spokesman for the school system confirmed Watterman worked as a security guard in the district from Feb. 19, 2002 to May 21, 2004.

Watterman, who couldn't be reached to comment, is charged with three counts of theft by deception and unsworn falsification. He faces up to 61/2 years in state prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

KEN THORBOURNE