FREEHOLD, NJ – Erich A. Bennett, a 47-year-old former Sea Bright Police Officer, has admitted to committing multiple crimes against his ex-girlfriend, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced.
Before Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley, Bennett pleaded guilty to third-degree Computer Theft, third-degree Criminal Mischief, fourth-degree Hindering Apprehension, and fourth-degree Stalking.
The admission came as part of a plea hearing where Bennett acknowledged a series of actions that instilled fear in the victim. These included disabling her home’s exterior security cameras, slashing her tires, and keying her car.
Bennett also admitted to driving past the victim’s residence and issuing threats of physical harm, both in person and via a fake social media account.
Additionally, while on duty, Bennett conducted unauthorized searches of the victim and her associates in law enforcement databases.
Bennett was arrested in late January and remains in Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending further court action. Due to the plea, he permanently forfeits the right to hold any public office in New Jersey.
Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for November 3. The State plans to recommend a five-year prison sentence. Bennett will also have to surrender his privately owned firearms, adhere to a permanent restraining order preventing contact with the victim, and pay restitution of nearly $4,800.