Here's a Jersey tale for you.

A town councilman sends nasty, insulting letters to two school board members with the return address of someone else - the president of the school board. Got it?

Yes, that apparently occurred in the Gloucester County community of Washington Township - population 48,000.

Boards of education across the state - and nation - have become focal points in philosophical battles over books, curriculum and gay rights. Angry, passionate and sometimes stormy board meetings are now very routine. And in Washington Township, there also is a simmering issue over the superintendent's position.

With all that in mind, perhaps, Board Member Connie Baker says she expects some negative feedback, But not this.

The letter she received said she was "stupid," "shameful," "dishonest" and "drunk" at board meetings.

On that same day, May 17, fellow Board Member Patricia Blome got a similar letter. She was called "evil," in addition to some of the insults that appeared in the other letter. But for the record, she was not accused of being intoxicated at meetings.

Both women were accused of pushing a Democratic agenda. School boards are officially non-partisan, but that is no longer true in practice.

The letters also warned the women that "God is watching your action."

The letters were unsigned, but the envelope had a return address - one belonging to Julie Kozempel, the board president.

Kozempel is an ally of the two other board members on a body that is split in their favor 5-4. Both board members said they knew the president did not send them nasty letters.

In search of an answer, they went to township police.

There, they met Detective Anthony Aquilino who investigated. His report of May 21 said he determined the letters were sent May 12 from a post office in Blackwood (a section of the township) and that the individual who handled the transaction was a "teller 20."  The detective was able to secure and view a video account of the relevant transaction. He said the letters were mailed at 2.47 p.m., or, if you prefer police lingo, at 14:47.

And the video revealed, according to the report, that the man who sent the letters was Richard Bennett.

He not only serves as a councilman, he was the council liaison to the school board.

In a statement about the incident on Friday, Kozempel said:

“As a constituent of Washington Township, a single mom, and a lifelong resident, I am appalled by Rich Bennett’s behavior towards me and I find it problematic that he targeted his remarks to Democrats who are females. He’s a bully and should pick on someone his own size and leave us alone.

As BOE president, I requested he be removed as the council liaison to the WTBOE back in January and requested this again. The request was granted an hour ago. I guess it has to get this far before the council president felt it time to address our concerns."

Aquilino said in the report that after contacting the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, police will not pursue a criminal investigation. However, the two board members plan to do that on their own. There also is the possibility of additional legal action.

An email and voice message left for Councilman Bennett has not yet been returned.

A Republican, he joined the governing body in 2021.

Answering a question about his goals when successfully seeking reelection last fall, he said:

"My commitment is to create a thriving local economy that not only supports existing businesses but also attracts new ones. I will prioritize community engagement by encouraging regular attendance at council meetings, ensuring that residents have a voice and that their needs are met as we implement our strategies. Together, we will build a Washington Township where businesses flourish, jobs are plentiful, and residents enjoy a high quality of life. "