Former HS VP sentenced in drug theft

January 8, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO
Phone: (856) 384-5617; Pager (856) 251-4736
Re.: Former HS VP sentenced in drug theft

Philip Bevilacqua (2/24/67), of 19 Mt/ Vernon Ave., Pitman N..J was sentenced today (1/8) to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to theft by unlawful taking of students’ prescription medicines in 2007, while he was vice principal of Gateway Regional High School in Woodbury Heights N.J.

Superior Court Judge Walter L. Marshall Jr. said the sentence, agreed to when Bevilacqua pleaded guilty Dec. 3, 2009 was “a reasonable disposition of the charges,” although defense attorney John Eastlack made lengthy arguments to set aside the sentence and impose probation, citing his client’s exemplary qualities as an educator and “extraordinary” efforts to deal with his addiction. In addition to dependence on painkillers resulting from a back injury, Bevilacqua was diagnosed with an adult form of attention deficit disorder, and had removed ADD medications belonging to students from the school nurse’s office, Eastlack said.

Bevilacqua initially was charged in May 2007 with theft, illegal possession of drugs and official misconduct, a second-degree crime which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in state prison. Drug and misconduct charges were dismissed at sentencing, but Senior Assistant Prosecutor Paul Colangelo said there was a “powerful” state’s case against Bevilacqua, including police videotaping of the theft and a confession. He asked for sentencing in accordance with the negotiated plea. The terms also called for Bevilacqua to forfeit any future public employment.

Judge Marshall said neither he nor the prosecution would oppose Bevilacqua’s application for the state correction system’s intensive supervision program, which could result in his release from incarceration in less than nine months.