Harmony Barry Heffernan, a candidate for Middletown Board of Education running as part of the “Children First” team, is being sued by the NJ Attorney General for insurance fraud. He is accused of violating the New Jersey Fraud Prevention Act (Fraud Act) by falsely signing a “Statement of Good Health.” According to the Attorney General’s lawsuit, Heffernan signed the affidavit on April 11th, despite having been injured badly enough to prevent him from working on April 5th. The charges are related to a disability claim. The Attorney General is seeking civil penalties, a surcharge, restitution, and attorney fees of $8,860. The case is scheduled to be heard on October 7th, 2020.

Heffernan has a history of financial and legal problems. Wells Fargo Bank filed a foreclosure on his house on David Road on September 2nd, 2009. In addition to the foreclosure, the town has placed five liens against the property for unpaid water and sewer usage, from 2009, 2013, 2014 2016 and 2019. Heffernan was also criminally charged in municipal court for allegedly passing a bad check. The charge was brought by the recipient of the check, and the case was subsequently resolved.

Heffernan is running together with Jacqueline Tobacco and Frank Capone as the “Children First” Team. They are running for the three seats currently held by Board Vice President Robin Stella, Board member Nicholas A. DiFranco and School Board President Pamela Rogers. Kelly Brodin, Patricia Reed, Pam Smith and Raymond Jankowski are also seeking a seat on the Middletown School Board.