TRENTON — A claims investigator with the state Treasury Department is facing corruption charges after officials accused her of stealing more than $75,000 by approving false claims.

Stephanie Hargrove, 38, of Willingboro, was a principal claims investigator and supervisor for the Division of Risk Management.

Officials say Hargrove spent five years approving false claims for damages against government agencies — including the MVC, for false allegations that vehicles were wrongly towed as a result of improper recordkeeping, and the Department of Children and Families, for serious damage caused to homes by foster children.

The amount she allegedly stole was more than her annual salary of  $70,500, pension records show.

Her attorney, Robin Lord, of Trenton, did not immediately return a request for comment Friday afternoon.

Hargrove faces a minimum of five years and up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of second-degree theft under the state’s anti-corruption law. She also is charged with third-degree tampering with public records.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-359-5348 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

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