See why more than 100 New Jersey officers lost their jobs
⚠️ More than 650 New Jersey law enforcement officers faced major discipline in 2025, the state reports.
➡️ Over 100 officers resigned or were terminated while under investigation, including three police chiefs.
🔴 The Attorney General says the report is meant to strengthen public trust through transparency.
More than 650 police officers have been named and shamed for falling short of expectations, with issues ranging from repeated lateness to overt racism on the job.
Over 100 cops, including three chiefs of police, were terminated or resigned during an investigation in the latest annual major discipline report released by the Attorney General's Office. It covers the period from Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025. The number of firings is slightly greater than last year's report, and disciplinary actions have shot up again.
The OAG said in 2025, there were 817 major discipline actions against 654 police officers, corrections officers, and other law enforcement. That's a nearly 27% spike in significant discipline from 2024, when there were 644 case actions.
“Maintaining faith in government and trust in law enforcement requires that residents know the State holds law enforcement to the highest professional standards,” Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said.
Still, it's a drop in the bucket compared to the 31,538 law enforcement officers in New Jersey, which doesn't even include correctional officers.
New Jersey police officers who were terminated or resigned amid an investigation in 2025
For the most part, these summaries for each officer are copied verbatim from the state Attorney General's Office annual report, with minimal editing for clarity. The summaries were provided by the investigating agencies.
Atlantic City PD
Officer Jennifer Sanchez
Officer Sanchez was criminally charged with Official Misconduct- 2C:30-2A, Computer Criminal Activity 2C-20-25A, Stalking 2C:12-3B, Harassment 2C:33-4A and Theft 2C:20-3A. Officer Sanchez faces allegations that she utilized a police database to gain information for her personal use. It is alleged she used that information to harass and stalk her ex-boyfriend. It was further alleged that she stole a yard flag from his property. Subsequent to the filing of criminal charges, the officer resigned from the Atlantic City Police Department.
Atlantic County Public Safety Division of Adult Detention
Officer Scott Medio
Officer Scott Medio was processed for removal-pending hearing after being insubordinate by refusing to obey a lawful order given by a Superior Officer to remain for mandatory overtime due to the emergen situation of falling below miniumum staffing criteria. Hearing resulted in a (20) twenty-day suspension. (Six occurrence within a five year period)
Officer David Hightower
Officer David Hightower was allowed to resign after his sixth occurrence being a no call/no show for his scheduled shift, Shift #3 1530 hours to 2330 hours, which resulted being his sixth occurrence of time in a six month period. (Sixth occurrence within a six month period)
Atlantic County Sheriffs Office
Officer Andrew Clayton
Clayton was in a dating relationship with a coworker and sent nude photos of her to other coworkers without her consent. She filed a complaint with the local police department and he was charged with Charged with Invasion of Privacy, Crime of Cyber-Harrassment, Tampering with or Fabricating Evidence.
Officer Rawldon Richardson
On 9/7/24 in Egg Harbor Township, Richardson was involved in a motor vehicle accident with injuries in which he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Assault by Auto. On 6/9/25 in Ventnor, NJ, Richardson was involved in a motor vehicle accident with injuries in which he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Leaving the Scene.
Pleasantville PD
Officer Michael Figueroa
On August 31, 2024, at approximately 7:40 PM, Officer Michael Figueroa was responding to a call for a medical emergency. When Officer Figueroa entered the intersection, he was involved in an accident with a civilian driver. A minor pedestrian was also injured. It is undisputed that Officer Figuerao was traveling at approximately 79-mph in a 35-mph zone.
Officer Figueroa by virtue of having the accident, not only was unable to assist his fellow officers responding to a medical emergency, but two more medical emergencies were created. Officer Figueroa operated his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed contributing to a motor vehicle accident as well as an injury to a pedestrian.
By driving at the excessive rate of speed, Officer Figueroa was unable to avoid an accident which injured two members of the public and damaged or destroyed public and private property.
Officer John Marciante
Marciante himself acknowledges that his comments and demeanor on November 5, 2021, require major discipline. Such comments and demeanor towards an emotional disturbed person who is intoxicated were egregious. Marciante had to be re-directed to de-escalate the situation. Instead of cooling off at the station. Marciante then chose to go outside and position himself in the path of the subject as he was being escorted inside. Instead of stepping to the side or retreating into the station, Marciante shoulder checked the suspect as he was escorted towards where Marciante was standing. This was found to be unnecessary force.
Bergen County Sheriffs Office
Officer Michelle Shikhman
Correctional Police Officer Michelle Shikhman, while on duty at the Bergen County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (BCCRC), on multiple occassions changed an inmate's TID, which terminated his ability to access telephones or tablets, for no justifiable reason. The change of the TID number, or any disciplinary justification for revoking the inmate's rights to telephone or tablets was not documented or approved by a supervisor. Officer Shikhman was then untruthful and evasive with the Office of Professional Standards when being interviewed, despite being advised and provided proof that she had indeed revoked the access to telephones and tablets.
Officer Michael Vermeylen
Sheriff's Officer Michael Vermeylen, while off duty, was charged with 2C:24-4A(1),
endangering the welface of a child, and 2C:34-3B(2), Obscene material for persons under 18, for attempting to have an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor (14 years old). Officer Vermeylen resigned while the criminal investigation was ongoing, while he was in a "No Pay Suspension" status, pending termination.
Bordentown City PD
Sergeant Vincent Bernotas
On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, Sergeant Vincent Bernotas was operating a police vehicle when he struck two parked vehicles. He failed to activate his BWC as is required by department policy. He failed to report the collision to Central Dispatch immediately, as is required by department policy.
Sergeant Bernotas failed to report the collision to the Chief of Police as is required by department policy and left the scene of the collision incident without checking on the damage to the vehicles he struck, and without attempting to notify the owners of the vehicles.
Sergeant Bernotas went to Hope Hose Humane Co., entered the firehouse, retrieved cleaning supplies, and attempted to remove evidence of the collision from the patrol vehicle before reporting the same, and before any investigating officer could observe the damage to the patrol vehicle.
Sergeant Bernotas then contacted Central Dispatch to report the collision, approximately 16 minutes after it had occurred. Sergeant Bernotas summoned his subordinate to the scene and provided an account of what occurred, which did not include his cell phone use at the time of the collision as a contributing factor. Sergeant Bernotas’ subordinate generated an NJTR-1 that Sergeant Bernotas later reviewed and approved, knowing it to be false.
Sergeant Bernotas completed a Supervisor’s Incident Report and an email of his account to the Chief of Police. Both failed to disclose Sergeant Bernotas’s cell phone use at the time of the collision. The reports provided a contradicting account of the events, where Sergeant Bernotas stated that he was watching a subject up and to the left of his position, and the BWC footage clearly shows him interacting with his cell phone screen down and to the right when the motor vehicle collision occurred.
During an Internal Affairs Interview, Sergeant Bernotas was untruthful with Investigators and withheld pertinent information regarding the matter, including providing his subordinate with a false account of the motor vehicle collision, and further approving the police report submitted by his direct subordinate, the investigating officer, which was completed based on the fabricated account of events that he previously provided.
Burlington County Department of Corrections
Officer Nicholas Morton
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, into Friday, November 15, 2024, during the hours of 1800 to 0600 hours, while on duty and in full uniform as the assigned E tier officer, there was a physical altercation that led to the death of an inmate. During the internal investigation, it was determined that Officer Morton neglected to conduct security tours every half hour. The security tour at 2102 to 2200 had a time lapse of 58 minutes and the security tour from 0133 to 0226 had a time lapse of 53 minutes, neglecting to conduct tours every half hour. It was also discovered that Officer Morton neglected to inform his immediate supervisors that both inmates made a request to move out of the cell away from each other. Your conduct is unbecoming that of a public employee and a sworn law enforcement officer.
Burlington County Sheriffs Office
Officer Mikalah Goode
During a random drug test, conducted in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy, S/O Goode admitted to and tested positive for an illicit substance. The results were submitted to the New Jersey Central Drug Registry.
Cliffside Park PD
Lieutenant Michael Miller
Def was charged with stealing over ten thousand dollars in funds from the boroughs Police Athletic League account for personal use such as luxury items and cash withdrawals at the ATM.
Elmwood Park PD
Police Officer Brian Sobczak
Officer Brian Sobczak resigned while Internal Affairs Investigation still pending. Charges were sustained for False Reports, Truthfulness, and rules and regulations violations. On November 27th, 2024, Police Officer Brian Sobczak was involved in an on-duty preventable motor vehicle accident. During the on-scene investigation, Officer Sobczak provided false information to his supervisor and the officer completing the report regarding how the accident occurred. Officer Sobczak admitted to his conduct.
Englewood PD
Sergeant Sean Carnahan
On 10/29/24, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office received a complaint of an offensive comment made by Sgt. Carnahan to another Englewood Police Officer. After an investigation, involving multiple witness officers, Sgt. Carnahan admitted to making the racially insensitive comment. He was immediately suspended and retired after the conclusion of the investigation.
Hillsdale PD
Chief Sean Smith
On 7/11/2024, while in Hillsdale Police Headquarters, SMITH made a bias comment that was observed and overheard by several other officers in the Police Department. Specifically, SMITH referred to himself and another white officer as being the ‘lightest/whitest’ member of the Police Department. SMITH then asked another African American officer who was present if he was going to compare skin tones with a newly hired African American officer who was not present, to determine ‘How black you guys are.’ SMITH then held out his forearm to demonstrate what the two officers would do to see ‘who is blacker’
Palmyra Boro PD
SLEOI Gerald Griffin
It was brought to the attention of the Palmyra Police Department that SLEO I Griffin was possibly having an inappropriate relationship with an underage female. This relationship was established outside of his employment with the police department while he was working as an employee of the Palmyra School System. This information was forwarded to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office to be investigated as a criminal matter and SLEO I Griffin was terminated immediately.
Camden County Department of Corrections
Officer Yamalis Diaz
Officer Diaz pled guilty to a disorderly persons (2C:20-11B(1) Shoplifting) and forfeit her position with Camden County Department of Corrections.
Officer Tee Lormia
Officer Lormia used excessive force by kicking inmate Ortiz, J. in the head with a round house kick.
Officer Nicholas Taylor
Officer Taylor used excessive force on inmate Wilson, H. by lifting him up from behind and slamming him down to the ground. During this incident inmate Wilson, H struck his upper back on the metal toilet in the cell.
Camden County Sheriffs Office
Sheriff's Officer Kyle Ehret
On five (5) occasions from March 12, 2025 through April 21, 2025, Officer Ehret was charged with insubordination for repeated violations of the grooming policy.
Sheriff's Officer JonCarlos Rodriguez
On five (5) occasions from February 20, 2025 through March 31, 2025, Officer JonCarlos Rodriguez was charged with insubordination for repeated violations of the grooming policy. On March 31, 2025, Officer Rodriguez refused to report to his assigned post.
Sheriff's Officer Joseph Rodriguez
On five (5) occasions from February 26, 2025 through March 31, 2025, Officer Joseph Rodriguez was charged with insubordination for repeated violations of the grooming policy.
Camden PD
Recruit Noah Tyler
Internal Affairs was forwarded an anonymous complaint, alleging Police Recruit Noah Tyler having previous police contact. An Internal Affairs investigation was conducted and Recruit Noah Tyler was sustained for providing false statements/purposeful omission on his application for employment for the position of police officer with our agency. On August 15, 2025, Noah Tyler was dismissed from the academy and removed from employment with our agency.
Cape May County Prosecutors Office
DSG Robert Harkins
By report dated January 9, 2020, Employee was found to have conducted an improper investigation, which included, in part, obtaining information pertaining to an incident involving a family member. As a result, Employee was criminally charged with violating N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7a(3) and N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4a. Said criminal charges were disposed of through a diversionary program. However, the conduct underlying the criminal charges in and itself warrants the recommended discipline, regardless of whether a criminal conviction was obtained or not. Moreover, by Order dated July 19, 2025, Employee forfeited any and all public employment forever as part of his diversionary program.
Cape May County Sheriffs Office
Correctional Police Officer Robert O'Donnell
Officer O'Donnell was chosen for Random Drug Screening. His test came back positive for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine. Officer O'Donnell failed to mention any medications on his medication declaration sheet. Officer O'Donnell provided a photograph of his prescription bottle that was prescribed after the date of the drug test. He was asked to produce the prescription bottle or documentation of the precription before the test date. O'Donnell informed IA that he does not have either one and he took Adderall that he received from a friend. Correctional Police Officers at the CMCSO work 12 hour days.
Cumberland County Department of Corrections
Officer Robert Dawkins
On October 9,2024 during Officer Dawkins tour of duty an incident took place were one
inmate threw liquid at another inmate in his presence. At the end of the incident video surveillance captured Officer Dawkins shaking another inmates hand. Officer Dawkins failed to log the event, notify a supervisor and inform his relieving officer of the incident. He also did not write a report until instructed by his shift commander. On May 1, 2025 he was terminated.
Officer Sanya Lawrence
On June 30, 2022 a search warrant was executed at Officer Lawrence's residence by the NJ State Police. Officer Lawrence was arrested as a result of Illegal drugs and weapons that were discovered throughout the home. On August 7, 2025 she was terminated.
Millville PD
Officer Angel Moreno
Officer Moreno was terminated after a background check at another agency revealed that Ofc. Moreno participated in text threads that referenced derogatory terms of race and sexual orientation.
Vineland PD
Officer Anthony Torres
Officer A. Torres commenced taking military leave periodically beginning in August 2019 and, as of November 12, 2024, had exhausted his five (5) years of non-exempt military leave. Under USERRA, he was required to report back for duty with the Vineland Police Department within ninety (90) days after November 12, 2024, which would have been February 10, 2025. Officer A. Torres did not return to duty with the Vineland Police Department.
East Orange PD
Officer Devin Higgs
On December 17, 2018 Officer Devin L. Higgs was indicted on multiple criminal charges, stemming from an off duty incident which occurred on February 15, 2018. On October 11, 2024, Officer Devin L. Higgs entered an Order of Forfeiture and disqualification from public employment pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9(a) based on his criminal convictions. On October 11,2024, the Hon. Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C. entered an Order of Forfeiture and disqualification from public employment pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:29- 9(a) based on Devin Higgs criminal convictions.
Essex County Department of Corrections
Officer Tyree Berger
As of December 16, 2025, Officer Berger received a cumulative amount of 41 minor
suspension days for numerous policy and department rules and regulations violations during his one-year probationary period. Officer Berger was separated due to unsatisfactory work performance at the end of the working test period.
Officer Brearra Dunns
The investigation determined that Officer Dunns was present during an improperly
conducted housing unit tour on August 28, 2025, which is a routine security check in which staff observe inmate activity, ensure unit security, and identify any safety or procedural issues in accordance with policy. Officer Dunns failed to accurately document or report the tour, submitting falsified and misleading reports. Additionally, during her one-year probationary period, Officer Dunns was found to have committed multiple violations of departmental policies, procedures, and rules and regulations.
Officer Gerardo Gonzalez
On Tuesday November 23, 2021, Correctional Police Lieutenant Gerardo Gonzalez was
arrested On Duty at the Essex County Correctional Facility was arrested on duty and charged by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office(ECPO). He was later convicted of knowingly possessing fewer than 1,000 such items and was sentenced to three years of probation, along with forfeiture of and permanent disqualification from public employment under New Jersey statutes related to possession and distribution of child exploitation material. ECPO detectives seized his cell phone and obtained a Mirandized
statement in which he admitted to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material through various apps over the course of about a year. A preliminary examination of his phone uncovered multiple illegal videos involving minors. Termination was finalized in 2025.
Officer Annette Hamilton
On August 29, 2025, Officer Hamilton was deliberately disrespectful toward a Sergeant and used abusive, sexually explicit language toward him on multiple occasions. On December 4, 2025, Internal Affairs disclosed a sustained finding of insubordination, including the use of profanity of a sexual nature. Officer Hamilton also demonstrated unsatisfactory work performance during her one-year probationary period.
Officer Andre Jones
While reporting for the 10pm to 6am shift in May 2025, Officer Jones struck an officer in the sternum. Officer Jones placed another officer in a chokehold. Officer Jones was charged with counts of third degree Aggravated Assault pursuant to NJSA 2C:12-1b(7) and NJSA 2C:12-1b(5)(a). Officer Jones entered PTI. A PTI Order and Consent Order of Forfetiure of and Disqualifcation of Public Employment was entered October 17, 2025.
Officer Emma Mendoza
As of November 19, 2025, Officer Mendoza received a cumulative amount of 23 minor
suspension days for numerous policy and department rules and regulations violations during her one-year probationary period. Officer Mendoza was separated due to unsatisfactory work performance at the end of the working test period.
Officer Jahdajha Sanders-Rodriguez
The investigation determined that C.P.O. Sanders-Rodriguez observed an inmate-on-inmate assault on July 11, 2025, but failed to accurately document including a delay to report the incident, and submitting a false report. The investigation further found that she abandoned her assigned post while inmates and cell doors remained unsecured, thereby exposing the injured inmate to continued risk of harm. Additionally, during her one-year probationary period, she was found to have committed multiple violations of departmental policies, procedures, and rules and regulations from this incident.
Officer Brian Sargent
On March 9, 2023, off-duty correctional police officer Brian Sargent was arrested at his home and charged under multiple New Jersey statutes, including endangering the welfare of a child and invasion of privacy. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office involving nude photographs and videos on Sargent’s laptop. The adult victim said the images and videos were taken without consent and spanned a period of time when the victim was a child. Following his arrest, Officer Sargent was immediately suspended from his position with the Essex County Department of Corrections. Officer Sargent was ultimately convicted of 2c:24-4A(1) endangering - sexual conduct with child by caretaker and received a three (3) year prison term. Termination was finalized in 2025.
Officer Ceonnah Tucker
The investigation determined that Officer Tucker was present during an improperly conducted housing unit tour on August 28, 2025, which is a routine security check in which staff observe inmate activity, ensure unit security, and identify any safety or procedural issues in accordance with policy.Officer Tucker failed to accurately document or report the tour, submitting falsified and misleading reports. Additionally, during her one-year probationary period, Officer Tucker was found to have committed multiple violations of departmental policies, procedures, and rules and regulations.
Officer Efrin Wade
In January 2023, while employed as a correctional officer at Essex County Correctional Facility (ECCF), Officer Efrin Wade engaged in communications with an individual he believed was involved in smuggling contraband into the facility; the individual was later identified as an undercover FBI agent. On March 14, 2023, during his shift, Officer Wade was found in possession of contraband tobacco products and was subsequently arrested and charged with extortion under color of official right. Officer Wade later pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of extortion under color of official right and was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Termination was finalized in 2025.
Officer Shawn Wicker
The investigation determined that Officer Wicker knowingly and intentionally attempted to enter the Essex County Correctional Facility on June 9, 2025, in possession of contraband, specifically a cellular phone and electronic cigarette, in violation of departmental policies, procedures, and rules and regulations. Officer Wicker demonstrated unsatisfactory work performance during his one-year probationary period.
Essex County Sheriffs Office
Sheriff's Investigator Ryan Terry
S/I Ryan Terry was terminated after being arrested by the FBI pursuant to a federal warrant charging Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud.
Newark PD
Police Officer Zaydiah Mayse
Officer Mayse was in communication with a known Grape Street gang member who is currently incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility (ECCF) and has an extensive criminal history, including homicide, weapons offenses, and narcotics violations. The officer made numerous telephone calls to the ECCF to communicate with the inmate. Additionally, the officer submitted a false statement on her license application by failing to disclose the names of three Essex County Department of Corrections inmates who were pending trial. At the time of these incidents, the officer was serving in a probationary status.
Orange PD
Officer Reagen Pierre
Officer Pierre responded to a medical call regarding a female who had slipped on ice on a public sidewalk. Officer Pierre failed to activate his body-worn camera during the incident, then lied during a sworn statement regarding the details of the incident.
Officer Jamar Reid
While off-duty Officer Reid confronted a male regarding an issue and assaulted the male in Linden, NJ. Officers from Linden PD responded and Officer Reid fabricated a story as to why he was there.
Mantua Twp PD
Patrolman Krista Sheilds
In August of 2022, Officer Sheilds revealed to Internal Affairs officers that she vindictively revealed confidential information to the family attorney of a suspect in order to cause damage to another officer. In December of 2022, Officer Sheilds was conducting an investigation of domestic disturbance at which time she made derogatory remarks to one of the parties regarding having relations with their first cousin. Officer Shields’ conduct was found to be unbecoming and she was placed on suspension with the intent to terminate in March of 2023. A hearing officer upheld her termination which was pending appeal until 2025 when the appeal was dropped by her.
Lawrence Twp PD
Patrolman Hector Nieves
Former Officer Hector Nieves was alleged to have: misrepresented his location on numerous dates as a place he either never went to during his meal break or spent only a small portion of his meal break; entered the D&R Canal State Park in violation of Governor Murphy's Executive Order 118 (COVID19 related order); moved his vehicle's dash camera so that the park entrance signage prohibiting access and the raised canal path were not in view where he met another person in violation of Executive Order 118. Nieves was charged administratively, terminated after a local hearing and appealed the charges. Subsequently, his appeal was subsumed into a civil litigation complaint and the matter was settled in July of 2025 with him waiving the right to reinstatement or reemployment.
Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office
Detective Brittany Aspromonti
On or about December 6, 2023, Detective Brittany Aspromonti sent an anonymously
authored letter to a victim’s family member stating that a case was being mishandled by members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
On November 8, 2024, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office received notification from the N.J. State Park Police that they had recovered an off-duty firearm registered to Det. Aspromonti that had been left unattended in a bathroom at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
Trenton PD
Police Officer Nasir Bland
Officer Bland was ordered by a supervisor to complete a Crash Report and Investigation Report on an assignment and failed to complete both. Officer Bland also failed to complete numerous other Investigation Reports and did not activate his Body Worn Camera on those assignments. Officer Bland closed the assignments as Investigation Report Submitted without ever completing said reports.
Police Trainee Zyaire Evans
Police Trainee Evans was arrested and charged with Criminal Offenses while off-duty
Police Officer Michael Gettler
Officer Gettler failed a Random Urine Analysis by testing positive for Benzoylecgonine.
Middlesex County Department of Corrections
Correctional Police Officer Peguy Celissaint
CPO Recruit Celissaint was terminated due to inability to perform duties as he was removed from the Hudson County Police Academy after failing to meet the minimum requirements of the firearms proficiency standards set forth by the Police Training Commission and did not receive the certification required per his preemployment conditions.
Asbury Park PD
SLEO II Erwin Lopez-Gutierrez
SLEO II Lopez-Gutierrez was a no call/no show for scheduled shifts and later advised
supervisors he did not show up or call due to an emergency medical procedure. Investigation revealed SLEO II Lopez-Gutierrez lied about the reason he missed work and produced an altered medical document. Numerous violations were sustained to include Truthfulness, Neglect/Performance of Duty and Absence/Reporting for Duty . SLEO II Lopez-Gutierrez was terminated as a result of the investigation.
Englishtown PD
Chief of Police Peter Cooke, Jr
On or about, September 9, 2024, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) opened an investigation into an allegation of criminal conduct involving Chief Peter Cooke. As a result of the investigation conducted by the MCPO it was determined he accessed the Spillman /Flex system for personal use to obtain a picture of an acquaintance ex boyfriend. Chief Cooke pled guilty to third degree computer theft (2C:20-25(A)) in Superior Court on May 19, 2025. As a result of the guilty plea, Chief Cooke forfeited public office and was separated from employment as an Englishtown Police Officer. He was later accepted into the PTI Program for a period of twelve months. Chief Cooke’s guilty plea was related to his misuse of a law enforcement database, Spillman/Flex.
Long Branch PD
Police Officer Dana Page
On April 28, 2025, Officer Dana Page entered a guilty plea to fourth-degree Falsifying
Records. Officer Page admitted that she made entries in her police report regarding an animal cruelty call on November 13, 2023 that were not accurate. Officer Page permanently forfeited public office, including her position as a Long Branch Police Officer, as part of her plea. She was subsequently admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention Program.
Sea Bright PD
Sergeant Christopher Fisler
While off duty, Fisler engaged in a physical altercation resulting in bodily injury to the victim. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Fisler utilized police databases in a manner not consistent with law enforcement purposes. Fisler was criminally charged by the MCPO with assault charges and computer crimes.
Tinton Falls PD
Sergeant Robert Wilson
As a result of rank promotions Sgt. Wilson sent a deparment wide email making disparaging comments towards the Chief of Police, Public Safety Director, Captain, and a Lieutenant after he wasn’t promoted to Lieutenant.
West Long Branch PD
Corporal Kyle Kampf
Cpl. Kyle Kampf attended in-service training and falsified the hours of his overtime
submission. Furthermore, on several dates, Cpl. Kyle Kampf had disregarded Departmental orders, falsified patrol vehicle checklists, falsely reported that he was deploying a patrol rifle and was manipulating times of a patrol vehicle checklist from their truthful times. After a thorough investigation including reviewing numerous methods of digital evidence, it was determined that these actions did occur. The sustained findings were; Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer, False Reports, Overtime Policy Violation, Neglect of Duty, Insubordination and Untruthfulness. Cpl Kampf was terminated following an independent hearing officer recommendation.
Dover PD
PTL Anthony Kelly
In 2024, former Officer Anthony Kelly was charged by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) with knowingly possessing, viewing, or having control of less than 1,000 items of suspected Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) through means including the internet, a crime of the third degree. He was also charged with knowingly distributing an item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a minor, specifically by sending such items through a messaging application to others, a crime of the second
degree. On or about July 16, 2025, Kelly pled guilty to one (1) count of second-degree distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
East Hanover Twp PD
Sgt Keith Gunther
Sgt Gunther was involved in a fatal MVA and subsequently charged with Vehicular Homicide. Sgt Gunther resigned from his position at the East Hanover Police Department and plead guilty to the criminal charges on 6/17/25, resulting in his incarceration.
Morris County Department of Corrections
Officer Almir Bojkovic
On August 30, 2025 Officer Bojkovic was scheduled to return to duty after being on
authorized leave time from August 20, 2025 to August 29, 2025. He failed to report for duty on August 31, 2025. An attempt was made to contact him at his residence. He was not found at his residence. He then failed to contact the Facility or report to duty on August 31, 2025, Setember 3,4,5,6, and 7 2025. Under Civil Service Law, Officer Bojkovic was deemed to have voluntarily abandoned his employment with the Morris County Sheriff's Office / Bureau of Corrections not in good standing.
Jackson Twp PD
Sergeant Michael Kelly
Between February and October 2022 Sgt. Kelly submitted multiple inaccurate/false reports seeking overtime compensation by way of grant funding for work as a Drug Recognition Expert.
Toms River Twp PD
Patrol Officer Rebecca Sayegh
This criminal investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. The
incident giving rise to the charges occurred in Berkeley Township. It was reported that Rebecca Sayegh, who was not on duty at the time, burglarized a residence and committed assault. She also caused property damage. Rebecca Sayegh pled guilty to 3rd degree Burglary, 3rd degree Criminal Mischief, and Simple Assault, a Disorderly Persons Offense. On November 17, 2025, a forfeiture order was entered in Ocean County Superior Court whereby she permanently forfeited her position as a police officer with the Toms River Police Department. The Toms River Police Department terminated her employment effective November 17, 2025.
Passaic County Sheriffs Office
Sergeant Jose Gonzalez
On January 17, 2024, Sgt. Gonzalez was arrested by the FBI and charged with Criminal
Complaint Mag. No. 24-1000. He was served on January 29, 2024, with a Preliminary Notice of Disciplinary Action (31-A), and an Indefinite suspension as of January 17, 2024, pending criminal charges. on May 27, 2025, Sgt. Gonzalez pled guilty to the federal charge of Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice. As a result, on July 7, 2025, Sgt. Gonzalez was served with a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action (31-C), removing him from our agency as of May 27, 2025.
Sergeant Donald Vinales
On January 17, 2024, Sgt. Vinales was arrested by the FBI and charged with Criminal
Complaint Mag. No. 24-1000. He was served on January 29, 2024, with a Preliminary Notice of Disciplinary Action (31-A), and an Indefinite suspension as of January 17, 2024. On May 19, 2025, Sgt. Vinales pled guilty to the federal charge of Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice. As a result, on June 15, 2025, Sgt. Vinales was served with a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action (31-C), removing him from our agency as of May 19, 2025.
Wayne PD
P.O. Eric Lougheed
Officer Lougheed was subject to a random drug test mandated by Attorney General
guidelines whereas his sample tested positive for a prohibited substance. Officer Lougheed was terminated from his position as a Wayne Police Officer for violation of the Department's 'Substance Testing' rule as a result.
Manville PD
Chief Thomas Herbst
On February 13, 2025 Thomas Herbst was convicted by a jury in Somerset County on several counts of official misconduct and related offenses. Specifically, he was found guilty of four counts on Offical Misconduct, one count of a Pattern of Official Misconduct, one count of Sexual Assault (all 2nd degree crimes) and one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct (4th. Degree) Chief Herbst was convicted of unwanted sexual behavior toward at least three women. The conviction revealed he regularly groped, exposed himself to, sexually harassed and sexually assaulted an employee of the police department who
reported directly to him, using coercion and doing so without the victim’s consent, between 2008 and 2021. Chief Herbst's conviction revealed he had solicited sexual favors from the wife of one of his subordinate officers, in order for that officer to receive favorable employment decisions and opportunities. Chief Herbst's conviction revealed he had gone to the newly purchased home of another victim, whom had previously been his subordinate and while touring the house, sexually assaulted her. Chief Herbst conviction revealed he deliberately held onto a Manville Police badge and subsequently misrepresented himself as an active duty member of the police department. Also, on February 13, 2025 Thomas Herbst resigned his position as Chief of Police effective immediately.
North Plainfield PD
Detective Richard Dow
Ofc. Dow was the defendant of a Final Restraining Order out of Middlesex County NJ Superior Court. Ofc. Dow’s Police Training Commission license was subsuquently suspended and then revoked. Ofc. Dow was subsequently terminated from the police department after a hearing.
Patrolman Thomas Kirse
Ofc. Thomas Kirse knowingly submitted a fraudulent doctor’s “sick” note to the police
department excusing him from work. After an investigation, Ofc. Kirse was charged by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office with Uttering a Forged Document, a 4th degree crime Ofc. Kirse plead guilty to the charge and entered into Pre Trial-Intervention Program and agreed never to hold a law enforcement position again in the state of New Jersey. Ofc. Kirse was subsequently terminated from the police department.
Hamburg PD
Officer Dana Black
Officer Black was terminated as a result of several sustained charges as it relates to a failure to properly investigate a “welfare check” of an unresponsive motorist in the roadway (State Hwy 23). The officer further failed to activate her BWC in a timely manner as she arrived on scene, failed to properly notify a supervisor of any BWC malfunction, and failed to activate her BWC throughout the duration of a courtesy transport in her patrol vehicle. The officer later “modified” the official police CAD report (14) days following the incident and after having been served with an IA notice. The IA investigation further determined that the officer failed to activate her overhead lights/sirens while responding to and arriving on scene despite being positioned in the northbound lane of highway traffic. The officer was also found to be untruthful in statements provided to investigators during the administrative interview.
Stanhope PD
Sergeant Ryan Hickman
Sgt. Ryan Hickman was investigated for criminal charges by the SCPO for theft of time and falsifying government documents. Sgt Hickman claimed to be working when he was not. As the officer in charge of the department schedule Sgt. Hickman would take hours off his shift by leaving and not document this. Some of the time theft was for an entire 12 hour shift. The time theft occurred over the period of 12 months starting in 2023. He was suspended with pay in Feb of 2024 and formerly charged with theft and other charges by the SCPO in July of 2024 at which time he was suspended without pay. On 06/23/25, Sgt. Hickman was indicted by Grand Jury on 3rd Degree Theft. On 7/28/2025, Sgt. Hickman was entered into Pre-Trial Intervention program- 12 months ending 07/28/2026.
Delaware River Port Authority PD
Police Officer Ollie Miller
Officer Miller was assigned to Field Training as a probationary officer. After receiving
information from another law enforcement agency, it was discovered he was contacting known felons in state prisons prior to his employment and during his employment. This fraternization was not disclosed in his background check, and he was terminated as a probationary officer for fraternization and conduct unbecoming.
New Jersey State Police
Trooper Shane Dempsey
Member was substantiated for assaulting another individual causing visible signs of injury and was terminated from employment prior to the imposition of discipline.
Trooper Nicholas Hogan
Member was criminally charged with third degree Aggravated Assault. The member pled guilty to same and was required to forfeit their position with the New Jersey State Police. As a result of the agreement, the member was disqualified from any employment with the State of New Jersey and was terminated from employment with the Division.
Detective I Michael Travis
Member violated the terms of a previously negotiated plea agreement for misconduct by
causing a motor vehicle crash with another vehicle and immediately leaving the scene without reporting same. The member also provided false information during his interview. The member was terminated from employment with the Division.
NJ Department of Corrections
Senior Correctional Police Officer Lyrique Absalam
On 8/7/24, Mid-State Correctional Facility's Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Lyrique Absalam was charged with Forgery N.J.S.A. 2C:28-3B (1) and Tampering with Public Records 2C:28-7a (2) after an investigation revealed that he illegally altered his New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) approved Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave-time documents. SCPO Absalam extend the leave completion date and submitted the altered paperwork to NJDOC Human Resources. On 7/17/25, a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action was issued to SCPO Absalam, and his employment with the NJDOC was terminated. The Police Training Commission suspended his license on 8/20/24, concurrent with the discipline and a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action for removal was issued on 2/25/25.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Harry Cook
On 10/23/25, South Woods State Prison’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Harry Cook refused a mandatory assignment to work third shift. A Final Notice of Disciplinary Action was issued on 12/5/25, and SCPO Cook was removed from State service.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Courtlen Flax
On 4/24/17, South Woods State Prison’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Courtlen Flax was charged with Aggravated Assault 2C12-1B (1) after an investigation determined that on 2/16/17 SCPO Flax punched an incarcerated person in the face with a closed fist, causing the individual to suffer a perforated eardrum and blurred vision. On 7/24/25, the Police Training Commission suspended SCPO Flax's law enforcement license. A Final Notice of Disciplinary Action was issued, and SCPO Flax’s employment with the New Jersey Department of Corrections was terminated on 9/3/25.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Werner Gramajo
On 1/7/21, Northern State Prison’s (NSP) Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Werner Gramajo was charged with Official Misconduct, contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2a- Public Servant Soliciting/Accepting a benefit over $200 and contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:27-10- Acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by public servant for official behavior. An investigation determined that between 1/1/20 and 1/7/21, while on duty, SCPO Gramajo smuggled contraband into NSP to a particular incarcerated person and was paid cash in return. On 9/22/25, SCPO Gramajo pleaded guilty to one count of criminal Conspiracy N.J.S.A 2C:5-2a (1)- Conspiracy and agreed to the forfeiture of his public employment with the New Jersey Department of Corrections on 10/6/25.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Tyshea Griffin
On 8/22/24, East Orange Police Department contacted Garden State Youth Correctional
Facility and reported that Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Tyshea Griffin was robbed at gunpoint while attempting to sell an 8th of marijuana to an unidentified male. It was also reported that SCPO. Griffin's badge and state issued ID were stolen as well. During the interview with the Internal Investigations Division, SCPO. Griffin confirmed everything reported by the East Orange Police Department was accurate. SCPO Griffin was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action on 4/7/25 for a removal.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Danella Jackson
On 2/3/25, New Jersey Department of Correction’s (NJDOC) Special Investigations Division (SID) met with Newark Police Department regarding an active investigation. The Newark Police Department received confidential information that an associate of Northern State Prison’s (NSP) Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Danella Jackson was selling firearms and Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) out of a storage facility located in Union, NJ. They also had information that SCPO Jackson was involved in the transportation of CDS and illegal firearms and was introducing contraband into the secured perimeter at NSP. The SID investigation revealed that SCPO Jackson had contacted her associate several times, despite her stating she was not in communication with them. SCPO Jackson was also fond not in control of a firearm within her residence, leaving it stored improperly, without the trigger lock activated. A Final Notice of Disciplinary Action was served on 11/5/25 for the Removal of SCPO Jackson.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Giuseppe Mandara
On 8/23/19, the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Giuseppe Mandara assaulted an incarcerated person in a sally port. The incarcerated person was found deceased days later. Further, SCPO Mandara abandoned his equipment, including keys and radio in a manner that violated departmental policy and procedure. On 6/27/23, SCPO Mandara was criminally charged with Official Misconduct N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2 stemming from an incident that occurred at the ADTC on 8/23/19. This incident led to SCPO Mandara forfeiting his employment with the New Jersey Department of Corrections. During a criminal court plea hearing on 12/3/24, SCPO Mandara pled guilty to N.J.S.A. 12-1(b) Aggravated Assault (3rd degree), admitting he attempted to cause significant bodily injury to the victim. On 12/9/25, under the terms of the criminal plea agreement reached with the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, SCPO Mandara entered into a consent order to forfeit his public employment and he was barred from any future public employment or office. This matter was filed with the Superior Court in Union County. The Police Training Commission suspended his law enforcement license concurrent with the discipline and a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action was issued on 4/15/25 and his employment terminated.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Richard Mclaughlin
On 1/21/25, an investigation revealed that Garden State Youth Correctional Facility's Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Richard McLaughlin took home a Daily Activity Report (DAR), which is a confidential report. He posted the DAR on his social media account without authorization to do so. SCPO McLaughlin failed to notify any supervisory staff of the DAR being posted to social media and acknowledged that posting the report put an incarcerated person in danger. SCPO McLaughlin posted various videos on his Instagram stories containing racial slurs, lewd and demeaning language, while using hand signs which were perceived to be signs of a Security Threat Group. SCPO McLaughlin was seen to be wearing his New Jersey Department of Corrections uniform in some of the videos. SCPO McLaughlin admitted to having conversations with an incarcerated person’s girlfriend and to communicating with the incarcerated person via the JPAY systems. During an escort of the incarcerated person to his cell, SCPO McLaughlin deactivated his body worn camera. SCPO McLaughlin was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action for removal on 5/6/25.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Joel Munoz
On 5/1/24, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office issued a complaint/summons to
South Woods State Prison’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Joel Munoz. An investigation was initiated due to the decease of an incarcerated person on 12/5/23. The investigation did not reveal that SCPO Munoz was responsible for the death of the incarcerated person but, that the log book entries made by SCPO Munoz were false when compared to video footage. On at least three separate dates, SCPO Munoz was observed failing to take routine counts or tours/security checks, however, documenting in the logbook that they were completed. SCPO Munoz was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action for his removal on 6/23/25.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Jonathan Peirano
An investigation revealed that around September 2017, Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Peirano was involved in a relationship with a former incarcerated person at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. SCPO Peirano admitted to flirting with the former incarcerated person while she was incarcerated and that they planned to pursue a relationship. SCPO Peirano failed to disclose his relationship with this incarcerated person and falsified two New Jersey Department of Corrections Employee Applications for Clearance and Issuance of ID Cards. A Final Notice of Disciplinary Action was issued to SCPO Peirano for his removal on 10/8/25.
Correctional Police Lieutenant David Richards
On 11/21/24, Correctional Staff Training Academy’s Correctional Police Lieutenant (CPL) David Richards was involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Borough of Eatontown wherein he struck multiple vehicles and 3 individuals were injured. On 2/12/25, CPL Richards was charged criminally with 3 counts of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1C(2) 4th Degree Assault by Auto, 1 count each of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 and N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 Reckless Driving. On the date of the incident, CPL Richards held the rank of Associate Administrator, but on 2/24/2025, CPL Richards was officially demoted to CPL.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Alex Rodriguez
On 10/30/24, South Woods State Prison’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Alex Rodriguez was scheduled to work his post. SCPO Rodriguez acknowledged that this post was mandatory, however he did not report to it, nor to the Shift Commander. He failed to notify any supervisor that he was leaving for the day. When Prison Operations called him to determine his whereabouts, he did not answer the phone or call operations back. On 3/19/25, SCPO Rodriguez was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action and was terminated from his employment with the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Carmen Sexton
On 2/12/19, New Jersey State Prison’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Carmen Sexton was charged by the Hamilton Police Department with violation of 2C:39-5B (1) - Unlawful possession of a weapon. Specifically, SCPO Sexton was carrying a concealed weapon without having a permit to do so. SCPO Sexton was not authorized by the New Jersey Department of Corrections to carry such a weapon, as she was not in working status and she had not completed a weapons qualification since 9/27/16. On 4/16/25, SCPO Sexton was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action for a removal.
Senior Correctional Police Officer Ronald Walls
On 2/25/25, New Jersey State Prison’s Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Ronald Walls called out sick. SCPO Walls did not have sufficient sick leave time to support the absence. This was deemed chronic or excessive absenteeism. SCPO Walls was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action for removal
Senior Correctional Police Officer Devoncurtis Willson
On 8/9/24, The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) Special Investigations
Division (SID) executed a search warrant on the vehicle of New Jersey State Prison’s (NJSP) Senior Correctional Police Officer (SCPO) Devincurtis Wilson on the grounds of NJSP. SCPO Wilson was charged with 2nd Degree Official Misconduct N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2; Bribery 2C:27-2C, (taking money from incarcerated persons for illicit drugs), Possession of Marijuana and With the Intent to Distribute 2C35-5a1. SCPO Wilson was immediately suspended without pay. On 8/26/24, the Police Training Commission suspended SCPO Wilson's Law Enforcement License. On 1/3/25, SCPO Wilson was issued a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action for the termination of his employment with the NJDOC.
NJ Department Of Human Services
Officer Fernando Ortiz-Torres
In May 2020, Officer Ortiz-Torres was involved in a domestic violence incident that resulted in the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against him. The Pemberton Township Police Department served the TRO and executed a search warrant for weapons at Officer Ortiz-Torres’s residence. The search resulted in the filing of two firearms-related criminal charges against the officer. Ultimately, Officer Ortiz Torres entered into and accepted a Pretrial Intervention (PTI) agreement. The department initially sought his removal from employment; however, the matter was resolved through a general resignation.
Youth Justice Commission
SCPO Gary Nieves
SCPO Nieves engaged in a sexual relationship and established undue familiarity with a
resident on various dates at the Juvenile Female Secure Care & Intake Facility.
SCPO William Young
SCPO Young engaged in a sexual relationship and established undue familiarity with a resident on various dates at the Juvenile Female Secure Care & Intake Facility.
SCPO Nicholas Zatkos
SCPO Zatkos submitted falsified FMLA packets to the YJC Leave Management Unit. In
addition, SCPO Zatkos provided false statements to an OOI investigator during the investigation. *Appealed beyond the departmental level with OAL initially reducing the penalty from Removal to 30 days. CSC then reviewed the decision and increased the penalty to 60 days suspension.*
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