Former Brookdale Community College Leader Admits Misconduct

The former head of a New Jersey county college who resigned amid allegations of financial irregularities has pleaded guilty to misconduct and theft charges.

Peter Burnham, who stepped down in 2011 as president of Brookdale Community College, faces up to five years in prison after entering his pleas Tuesday as part of a deal with Monmouth County prosecutors.

The 68-year-old Burnham pleaded guilty to counts of official misconduct, using his college credit card for personal use and depositing a $20,000 student loan for his son into a personal bank account. As part of his plea deal, Burnham must repay $24,000 to Brookdale and reimburse the student loan

Burnham had drawn scrutiny from officials over contract perks he received in addition to his $216,000 salary.