WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- Scandal has rocked a local police department after a fourth officer was removed from active duty amid allegations of sex and drugs.
A Waterford Township representative said that it is firing four police officers and a fifth has resigned.
The move was part of a campaign by the new mayor of Waterford Township and her administration to clean house in the small town.
“A lot of complaints. I mean, a lot. And we’re still getting them,” said Mayor Lori Toussaint.
Toussaint told NBC 10 news that residents complained to her even while she was campaigning.
Ron Passarella was one of the residents who complained.
“Just a resident from town was aware of some of the things that were going on by our police departments, some corrupt cops,” Passarella said.
Passarella made a statement by painting a message on his snowplow, which said, “Push the Drug Dealing Cops Out Town.” The snowplow also contained the first names of the officers who have been suspended with the intent to dismiss.
The officers have been accused of administrative charges ranging from having sex in patrol cars to tipping off drug dealers and harassing residents who complain.
“I think the complaints are bogus, they’re frivolous. There are no police officers that I’m aware of that are causing complaints or writing tickets that are unwarranted,” said Stuart Alterman, the lawyer for three of the officers.
Alterman represents Michael Armor, Daniel Chiumento and Albert Hrosik. Alterman said that the suspensions are in retaliation for his clients’ union activity.
“They’re trying to squash down the contract costs of the bargaining unit, which really what it has become is union-busting,” Alterman said.
The attorney for the fourth officer, Sgt. Joe Chiarulli, said that the battle is political and the new administration is just trying to save money by getting rid of veteran officers.
Toussaint denied that and assured the public the township is protected despite being short five officers.
“There’s plenty of officers right now covering the shifts. If they have to do some extra days and they’re doing that,” Toussaint said.
The mayor said the township is working on hiring six new police officers. The suspended police officers face administrative charges. No criminal charges have been filed.
Through their attorneys, the officers have categorically denied all the accusations.