Crime & Safety

Ticket Scam Unraveled By Meter Man's Carelessness Before Vacation, Sources Say

Christopher Foxon, 29, was charged with tampering with official documents last Thursday after an internal investigation.

The Ridgewood parking enforcement officer was discovered when he became careless before leaving for vacation, sources familiar with the investigation said.

Christopher Foxon, 29, of Garfield, was charged Thursday with tampering with official documents. Ridgewood police say a month-long investigation discovered he had ticketed cars not in violation and made up false reasons for subsequently dismissing the tickets.

Det. Chris McDowell, who led the investigation, said it appeared Foxon committed the infractions in an attempt "to bring his productivity up."

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the sources, who requested anonymity because they were not permitted to discuss the incident publicly, Foxon input false infractions into the computer without physically placing a ticket on the window. The sources said he removed the tickets from the system before the drivers were notified of a violation or, if confronted, would make up false reasons for the ticket being issued.

But Foxon, according to the sources, forgot to remove some tickets before going on vacation. The drivers, unaware of the summonses, were issued bench warrants for their arrest for failing to appear, the sources said. Once drivers complained at the violation's bureau, an investigation was launched, the sources said.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Public trust is a critical part of doing our jobs," said Chief John Ward in a telephone conversation Monday. "The incident is really unfortunate, it really hurts. He's ruined his career here in Ridgewood."

Citing an ongoing investigation, Ward declined to comment on when the alleged incidents began or the number of false tickets issued.

"Until the case is finalized, I can't discuss when it happened or speculate on motives," Ward added, stressing Foxon has not been proven guilty and is entitled to a trial.

The Ridgewood Police Department is changing its parking ticketing policies in the wake of a arrest, Ward said.

"We're reviewing procedures to make sure something like this doesn't happen again," he told Patch.

A full-time parking enforcement officer since at least 2008, Foxon was suspended without pay two weeks ago. He has been served suspension papers, Ward said. 

Foxon was making just under $40,000 a year and had received

Ward said the internal investigation was aided by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, which recommended the charges. Foxon faces an upcoming date in court.

The village recently hired two new parking enforcement officers.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.