This week a former Piscataway policeman plead guilty to falsifying or tampering with records and simple assault, per the news. Originally the officer was charged with tampering with public records, falsifying and tampering with records, and assault. Indeed, the video demonstrates that while on duty, the 22-year law enforcement veteran hit a suspect in a police car. Subsequently, the officer allegedly filed false records with inaccurate information. Accordingly, prosecutors claimed the officer intended to hide the altercation. Consequently, the officer accepted a plea deal in exchange for a term of probation. Furthermore, he must forfeit his position in the department and any public position in the future. Nevertheless, he might be able to save his pension.
During the plea colloquy, the officer admitted he lied on his police report. In particular, he admitted to falsely reporting the man had kicked him in the groin, per the news. It appears the authorities made an example of him because this lapse would cloud every investigation of his in the future.
Falsifying or tampering with records, N.J.S.A. 2c:21-4
a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, a person commits a crime of the fourth degree if he falsifies, destroys, removes, conceals any writing or record, or utters any writing or record knowing that it contains a false statement or information, with purpose to deceive or injure anyone or to conceal any wrongdoing.
b. Issuing a false financial statement. A person is guilty of issuing a false financial statement, a crime of the third degree, when, with purpose to deceive or injure anyone or to conceal any wrongdoing; he by oath or affirmation:
- Knowingly makes or utters a written instrument which purports to describe the financial condition or ability to pay of some person and which is inaccurate in some substantial respect; or
- Represents in writing that a written instrument purporting to describe a person’s financial condition or ability to pay as of a prior date is accurate with respect to such person’s current financial condition or ability to pay, whereas, he knows it is substantially inaccurate in that respect.
South Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Smolensky, Esquire, knows how to protect his clients. Indeed, a charge of falsifying or tampering with records calls for an aggressive defense, and Mr. Smolensky can provide consultations for all such cases. Call Now—(856) 812-0321.