Millville police officer fired after racist, anti-gay text messages discovered during background investigation — Police lights BIGSTOCK

A Millville police officer was terminated after a background investigation conducted by another law enforcement agency uncovered text messages containing derogatory references to race and sexual orientation, according to state disciplinary records.

A Millville police officer lost his job after investigators discovered text messages containing offensive language targeting racial groups and sexual orientation, according to New Jersey’s annual law enforcement major discipline report.

Officer Angel Moreno was terminated following an internal investigation that sustained a charge of conduct unbecoming.

Investigation began during another agency’s background check

According to disciplinary records, the information surfaced during a background investigation conducted by another law enforcement agency.

Investigators reviewing Moreno’s background uncovered text message conversations that raised concerns about his conduct.

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“Officer Moreno was terminated after a background check at another agency revealed that Ofc. Moreno participated in text threads that referenced derogatory terms of race and sexual orientation,” the disciplinary report states.

The report does not identify the agency conducting the background investigation or provide details regarding when the messages were sent.

Department sustained conduct unbecoming charge

Following a review of the information, the Millville Police Department sustained a charge of conduct unbecoming.

Moreno was terminated as a result of the findings.

The disciplinary report indicates he was not suspended or demoted before his dismissal.

Case included in statewide discipline database

The disciplinary action was disclosed through New Jersey’s annual major discipline reporting system, which requires law enforcement agencies to publicly report serious disciplinary sanctions imposed on officers.

The report covers disciplinary actions sustained during the 2025 reporting period.

No additional details regarding the content of the messages were included in the public disciplinary summary.

Key Points

• Millville Police Officer Angel Moreno was terminated following an internal investigation.

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• A background check conducted by another law enforcement agency uncovered text messages containing derogatory references to race and sexual orientation.

• The department sustained a charge of conduct unbecoming and terminated Moreno’s employment.

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