A Pattern of Deception, Not Addiction
Recovery Court is a vital program for those whose crimes are an outgrowth of substance abuse. However, James Hankins, Jr. is a career financial predator. Having grown up and graduated high school with the defendant, I believed our lifelong bond was a foundation for genuine trust. When I offered him $25,000 to help him rebuild his life, I was met with a cold, calculated plan to defraud me. His actions were not a lapse in judgment triggered by a chemical dependency; they were a continuation of a multi-decade pattern of sophisticated theft by deception. 

Public Safety and Recidivism

Mr. Hankins served 10 years of a 20-year sentence for a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, only to return to the same predatory behavior almost immediately upon release. Admitting a repeat offender with such a deep history of financial exploitation into a program with reduced supervision presents an unacceptable risk to the public. 

Irreparable Harm
The $25,000 stolen has caused me permanent financial strain, forcing me to delay major life goals and sacrifice my stability. More importantly, his betrayal has shattered my ability to trust others. I respectfully ask that the Court prioritize the protection of the community and the rights of victims by keeping this case in the standard criminal track, where the defendant can be held fully accountable for his lifetime of predatory behavior.
On February 19, 2025, James Hankins, Jr. was charged with theft by deception, a crime that strikes at the heart of our justice system. Given his history of deceit and manipulation, we strongly believe he should not be granted entry into New Jersey’s Recovery Court.

Recovery Court is a beneficial program designed for those who genuinely seek rehabilitation and redemption. However, it is imperative that its resources be directed toward individuals who truly demonstrate a commitment to change. It is a program built on the principle of integrity, and allowing someone who willingly manipulates and deceives to participate would undermine its purpose.

According to the New Jersey Judiciary, Recovery Court has a remarkable success rate, with more than 70% of graduates remaining arrest-free. Its structure and support have changed many lives for the better, but it must protect its integrity by ensuring that only committed individuals are admitted.

James Hankins, Jr.'s pattern of behavior suggests a continuation of deceit, using the system for personal gain without an authentic intent for rehabilitation. Previous victims, like myself, can attest to his strategic deceitfulness that leaves lasting emotional and financial scars.

We urge the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and the New Jersey Superior Court in Ocean County to closely examine the evidence against Mr. Hankins and consider the potential risks of allowing him to misuse a valuable program intended for true rehabilitation.

Join us in asking the court to deny his entry into Recovery Court and protect the integrity of this vital justice initiative. Sign this petition to stand with us for principled decision-making and justice.