CAR-SHOW PROMOTER FACES CHARGES OVER D.A.R.E. CLAIMS

Pemberton Twp. - A Browns Mills man was arrested and charged with
fraud and theft for falsely advertising that proceeds from his car
shows would go to support D.A.R.E. programs.

Township police arrested Jason Mitchell, 50, on Tuesday after an
investigation of the Browns Mills Dream Car Club operator.

Police say Mitchell advertised and scheduled annual car shows
starting in June 2003 and promoted that proceeds raised were to
benefit local and state D.A.R.E. programs, which help educate school
children about the dangers of drug use. D.A.R.E. Officer Christal
Bartholomew was contacted by Mitchell to participate in a September
2007 show, police said. Bartholomew contacted D.A.R.E. New Jersey
Inc. and was told they had no records of Mitchell
contributing.

A police investigation reported that Mitchell used proceeds from the
shows for his personal benefit, not for the anti-drug program. The
investigation notes that Mitchell's misappropriated funds exceed $1,000.

Mitchell was charged with fraud and theft and released pending
arraignment today.