Totowa Police Chief Carmen Veneziano received disciplinary sanctions for a DUI-related incident and was later indicted in Massachusetts on felony kidnapping and assault charges, according to New Jersey’s 2025 Major Discipline Report.
The chief of the Totowa Borough Police Department was the subject of two separate major disciplinary actions during 2025, including a suspension tied to a drunken driving arrest and a subsequent indictment on multiple felony charges in Massachusetts.
According to New Jersey’s 2025 Major Discipline Report, Chief Carmen Veneziano received a 23-day suspension after investigators found he violated department rules during a February trip to the Jersey Shore. Later in the year, the report disclosed that he was indicted on kidnapping and assault-related charges stemming from an incident in Massachusetts.
DUI Arrest Led to Suspension
The first disciplinary matter involved conduct occurring on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, 2025.
Investigators determined that Veneziano used a department-issued police vehicle for personal travel to Seaside Heights to attend the Polar Bear Plunge. The investigation also found that he allowed non-law enforcement individuals to ride in the vehicle during the trip.
According to the report, Veneziano activated the vehicle’s emergency lights while driving in Point Pleasant during a non-emergency situation.
The report further states that he was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested for DUI. Authorities reported a blood alcohol concentration of .241, more than three times New Jersey’s legal limit.
Investigators also found that although Veneziano notified the Totowa mayor about the incident, he failed to submit a required written report.
As a result, he received a 23-day suspension and monetary penalties.
Massachusetts Indictment Filed Later in Year
A second major discipline entry disclosed that Veneziano was arrested on Dec. 19, 2025, following an indictment returned in Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
According to the report, the indictment alleges violations of Massachusetts law arising from an incident that occurred on or about Sept. 14, 2025.
The charges listed include:
- One count of kidnapping
- Three counts of assault and battery on a family or household member
The report states that Veneziano posted $25,000 cash bail following his arrest.
Court-Imposed Restrictions Remain in Effect
According to the disciplinary filing, a Massachusetts court imposed several conditions of release.
The court order prohibits Veneziano from contacting the alleged victim or any civilian witnesses connected to the case. He is also subject to GPS monitoring and a 600-foot exclusion zone surrounding the alleged victim’s residence.
The report cites New Jersey administrative regulations governing law enforcement licensing and notes that pending criminal charges or indictments may result in actions affecting an officer’s certification.
Criminal Case Remains Pending
The Massachusetts criminal case remains unresolved.
Because the charges are pending, Veneziano is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The disciplinary report does not indicate that he was terminated or demoted as a result of either matter.
Key Points
• Totowa Police Chief Carmen Veneziano received a 23-day suspension after a DUI arrest and misuse of a department vehicle.
• Investigators found he drove a police vehicle to Seaside Heights for personal reasons and was arrested with a reported blood alcohol concentration of .241.
• Later in 2025, Veneziano was indicted in Massachusetts on kidnapping and assault-related charges and remains subject to court-imposed release conditions.
