TEEN ACCUSED OF POSING AS COP IN HUNTERDON COUNTY POLICE IMPERSONATION PROBE
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — An 18-year-old Raritan Township man is facing criminal charges after authorities say he impersonated a police officer in multiple incidents across two New Jersey municipalities, triggering a multi-agency investigation that led to his arrest and seizure of a vehicle tied to the case.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson and Raritan Township Police Chief Al Payne announced Wednesday that Dean R. Pluchino was charged following the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Investigators said the search yielded both the suspect and the vehicle allegedly involved in the recent impersonation incidents.
Pluchino was charged by Raritan Township Police with two counts of fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer and one count of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence. Readington Township Police additionally charged him with a separate fourth-degree count of impersonating a law enforcement officer.
The impersonation probe involved coordinated efforts between the Raritan Township and Readington Township police departments, along with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. Officials credited local residents for providing key information that assisted investigators in resolving the case.
Pluchino was released onto pretrial monitoring with conditions, according to prosecutors. He is being represented by attorney Anthony P. Kearns, III.
Authorities said fourth-degree charges can carry penalties of up to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000 if a conviction is secured. Officials noted that all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with additional information related to the investigation is urged to contact the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 788-1129 or the Raritan Township Police Department at (908) 782-8889. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010.
Key Points
• Raritan Township man Dean R. Pluchino, 18, charged with impersonating a police officer and tampering with evidence
• Investigation involved search warrant execution and support from Readington Township Police
• Pluchino released with pretrial monitoring; impersonation charges are fourth-degree offenses