If S. Jersey police officer wins trial, he still loses
By Jan Hefler
The Philadelphia Inquirer
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, N.J. — The case of a National Park borough police sergeant set to go on trial today comes with a twist: If he’s acquitted, he doesn’t have a department to which he can return.
Sgt. George Roberts, a 24-year police veteran, faces charges of aggravated assault and misconduct in office in an Aug. 26, 2006, incident. Prosecutors allege he smashed a handcuffed teenager in the mouth with a service flashlight.
As the suspended officer’s case has proceeded, the tiny Gloucester County borough has faced mounting budget problems. In an effort to save money, the riverfront community last month dissolved its three-person department and contracted with Westville Borough to provide police services.
So if Roberts, 52, is cleared, his reinstatement would not follow, because his police department no longer exists.
“Employment would no longer be available through National Park,” said borough Administrator Victoria Holmstrom.
Roberts has been suspended without pay pending trial in state Superior Court in Gloucester County.
His attorney, John C. Eastlack Jr., said he doesn’t know what recourse Roberts would have if he’s found not guilty.
“It’s a good question; I don’t know what would happen,” Eastlack said.
Prosecutors say Roberts struck Joseph Barrow Jr., then 18, after arresting him on a charge of breaking into cars in the borough. The blow allegedly knocked out one of Barrow’s teeth and cracked another.
Barrow had not been resisting arrest, according to prosecutors.
Roberts also falsified a police report and tried to coerce Patrolman Albert Hinkson to lie about what he saw, according to Bernie Weisenfeld, a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office.
Eastlack said the defense would be that the incident “didn’t happen as the prosecutor’s office claims it did.” He also plans to challenge Hinkson’s credibility.
Last year, Eastlack filed a motion to gain access to Hinkson’s personnel file, contending that it included a disciplinary action. Eastlack said that he was under a court order to discuss the file only during court proceedings.
Hinkson, who was a patrol officer for 19 years, is on leave for personal reasons. He declined to comment and said he knew of no disciplinary report.
Eastlack said Roberts had a “long, distinguished career” and had never been disciplined.
During a high-speed pursuit about five years ago, Roberts struck and killed a motorcyclist but was never charged. Eastlack said Roberts was not considered at fault in the accident.
Jury selection is set to begin today before Superior Court Judge Christine Jackson-Allen. Conviction could bring a sentence of 15 years in prison.
Copyright 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer