Flemington Borough councilman charged with stealing cash from Flemington Democratic Club

FLEMINGTON BOROUGH, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A Flemington Borough councilman has charged for allegedly stealing cash from the Flemington Democratic Club, according Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.

Malik D. Johnston, a/k/a Pippin J. Folk, 47, of Flemington Borough was charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking, Robeson said.

Johnston withdrew $1,000 on June 2 from the Flemington Democratic Club’s bank account at a branch in Bridgewater Township, Robeson said.

At the time of the transaction, Johnston was a former officer of the Club, who did not have permission or lawful authority to make the cash withdrawal and keep the funds, Robeson said.

Johnston was indicted on June 22 by a Hunterdon County Grand Jury on two counts of third-degree possession of cocaine, two counts of third-degree possession of methamphetamine, second-degree distribution of cocaine, second-degree distribution of methamphetamine, second-degree possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and second-degree possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On diverse dates in January and February 2023 in Raritan Township, Johnston sold one half-ounce or more of cocaine and one half-ounce or more of methamphetamine to an undercover police officer, Robeson said.

Third-degree charges may result in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine not to exceed $15,000.