Washington Township faces scrutiny over opioid settlement spending

Washington Township, New Jersey, is facing scrutiny after reportedly using more than $170,000 in opioid settlement funds to purchase police equipment rather than addiction recovery services. While the township claimed the expenditures were for substance-abuse initiatives during 2024 and 2025, records indicate the money was spent on 15 Flock surveillance cameras and two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs.

An investigation found that none of the settlement money was directed toward drug-abuse prevention programs in schools, which is a primary intended use of the funds. This spending is part of a broader trend in New Jersey, where dozens of municipalities have reportedly used at least $2.3 million in settlement money for items such as concerts, branded apparel, road upgrades, and even a muscle car.

The funds stem from pharmaceutical company settlements exceeding $50 billion, designed to help communities mitigate the impact of the opioid epidemic through education, prevention, and treatment. Matthew Thomas Rooney, the solicitor for Washington Township, attributed the spending to the previous administration and stated that the current administration is committed to transparency and reviewing budgeting priorities.