NJ Transit Conductor Arrested in Alleged Fare Scam

A New Jersey Transit conductor and his alleged accomplice face multiple charges in what prosecutors say was a scheme to collect cash directly from riders without collecting tickets.

Conductor Robert Broschart, 49, of Howell, and 45-year-old Phillip Swanger of Bradley Beach were arrested Wednesday evening.

Their lawyer's names were not immediately known.

The Monmouth County prosecutor's office says the pair allegedly defrauded the agency of thousands of dollars in ticket fares for more than a year.

Investigators say Swanger allegedly recruited commuters along the North Jersey Coast Line route to ride the trains without buying fare tickets.

Instead, prosecutors say the riders paid Broschart a reduced fare on a monthly or quarterly basis and he pretended to validate their tickets.

Prosecutors have not said if any riders will be charged.

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