What's Next: Habel, Brower Face Possible Jail Time

Two former Wall Township school district administrators face possible extended jail time stemming from two cases of alleged misconduct.

Lacey Superintendent Sandra Brower, who was released on her own recognizance, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of official misconduct, hindering apprehension and obstruction. She faces 16 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Former Superintendent James F. Habel faces a maximum sentence of 97 years in prison if convicted on all charges. His bail was set by Vernoia at $250,000 with an option to post a 10 percent bond.

Both appeared before Superior Court Judge Francis J. Vernoia in Freehold Monday morning for an arraignment hearing. Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Charles Webster confirmed the pleas.

Habel, 56, now of Dunedin, Fla., pleaded not guilty to 14 charges including official misconduct, money laundering, theft, eight counts of falsifying records and stealing a district-paid iPad. Authorities have said he took more than $400,000 from the district by claiming he worked when he was actually out of state, and taking actions to falsify vacation and other records.

Prosecutors also have charged him with mortgage fraud, based on statements he allegedly made to banks regarding the mortgages on his house in Florida and his previous home in Point Pleasant.

He is also charged in a separate case with failing to notify authorities of the possible abuse of a child by a teacher.

Habel was joined in court by Brower, 46, his former assistant superintendent, who most recently served as superintendent of the Lacey Township school district.

Brower was initially charged and arraigned in the case of failing to notify authorities of possible abuse, but had to be re-arraigned on those charges Monday since Habel's name was added to an indictment.