A longtime Atlantic City police officer faces official misconduct and theft charges for allegedly violating terms of agreement in which he was supposed to live in a city public housing project.

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Thirty-nine-year-old Michael L. Jones, a 12-year member of the force, turned himself in Tuesday to Atlantic County prosecutors and was later released.

Prosecutors say Jones participated in a program that allows officers to lease public housing units for substantially discounted rent. In return, they must live there and provide police services for its residents, among other responsibilities.

Jones allegedly lived in another residence and subleased his unit for several years, collecting thousands of dollars in rent.

If convicted on both counts, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

A phone number for Jones could not be found Tuesday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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