Jenkins pleaded guilty to two counts of welfare fraud in June 1982, but did not disclose that fact on his application.

A spokesman for the New Jersey State Police confirmed that its official corruption unit had launched an investigation of Jenkins.

Two law enforcement sources said the inquiry began after a Camden police officer told state police that Thomson was made aware of Jenkins' record when he signed the permits. Thomson told the Camden County prosecutor that it was an administrative error, a spokesman for the prosecutor said.