Sheriff Frank Provenzano, a Republican seeking his sixth term, faces a challenge by former Franklin Police Lt. Darrin Russo as unfounded
SOMERSET -- With two weeks remaining in a contentious Somerset County sheriff race, the Democratic challenger is calling for an investigation into overtime records for the department and travel expenses of the longtime incumbent.
Sheriff Frank Provenzano, a Republican seeking his sixth term, dismissed the allegations by former Franklin Police Lt. Darrin Russo as unfounded.
Russo accused the sheriff of "the possible payment of overtime wages to officers for the sole purpose of inducing them to attend a reception in honor of former Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano" on March 4, according to a news release.
Russo called for the state Office of the Attorney General to investigate the overtime as well as Provenzano's use a department vehicle to travel to his shore house.
"With just over two weeks to go in this election, Darrin Russo's negative campaign of dishonesty and distortions continues to escalate," said Provenzano, who served as a Bridgewater police officers for 33 years. "While he continues to attack me personally, I will remain focused on doing the job the good people of Somerset County elected me to do."
Provenzano said three sheriff's officers worked overtime on March 4. Two were in court and a third was on a private road job for which the county is reimbursed. In addition, he said the sheriff's position is a round-the-clock job and his use of the department vehicle for travel is permitted.
Russo said open public records requests by his campaign for the overtime records and the travel expenses have been denied.
Provenzano has been endorsed by more than 80 current and former county law enforcement officials.
Russo has been endorsed by the state's Policemen's Benevolent Association and its 33,000 members. He has also been endorsed by the Middlesex-Somerset County Conference PBA, the Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, he said.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.