Police vehicle during investigation - file photo
Police vehicle during investigation - File Photo

Englishtown Police Chief Charged with Criminal Offenses

by
November 16, 2024

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Englishtown Chief of Police faces criminal charges following an investigation announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Tuesday.

Chief Peter S. Cooke, aged 58, has been charged with third-degree Computer Theft and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting. The investigation, led by the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit, uncovered that between February 2019 and August 2023, Cooke misused a law-enforcement database to access personal information about two individuals without a lawful purpose.

Additionally, it was revealed that Cooke, while on administrative leave, assisted a co-conspirator in committing multiple shoplifting incidents at a local grocery store during August and September. The charges against Cooke were served earlier this month, with proceedings set to occur in Monmouth County Superior Court.

MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Professional Responsibility Unit, is prosecuting the case. Debbie Simon, based in West Orange, represents Cooke. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, with all rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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