Chesterfield official indicted in alleged farm scam

CHESTERFIELD (AP) — An official in Burlington County is facing misconduct charges for allegedly misusing a farm grant program to benefit financially.

The attorney general's office said Wednesday that 64-year-old Lawrence Durr of Chesterfield has been charged with official misconduct and speculating or wagering on official action or information. It's not immediately known if he has an attorney.

The longtime committeeman, mayor and planning board member in Chesterfield Township allegedly entered an undisclosed deal to sell a developer transferrable development rights on a farm property that Durr bought next to his home.

Prosecutors say Durr used his official position to make more than $370,000 in profit off a deal with a developer. He allegedly took advantage of a program that allows qualifying farm owners to sell development rights elsewhere in the area.

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