A New Jersey police officer resigned while facing multiple internal affairs investigations that included domestic violence-related allegations, improper access to confidential records, and unsafe firearm storage, according to the state’s major discipline report.
New Jersey’s annual major discipline report reveals that Patrolman Lawrence Anthes resigned from his police department while facing several sustained internal affairs charges, including allegations involving domestic violence, social media harassment, confidential records access, and improper firearm storage.
According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Major Discipline Reporting database covering disciplinary actions during 2025, department officials sought Anthes’ termination in connection with multiple investigations. However, he resigned before final disciplinary action could be imposed.
The report lists four separate sustained disciplinary matters involving Anthes.
Domestic violence-related incident led to injury
One investigation found that Anthes threw a bag containing a prescription bottle at another individual from more than 10 feet away.
According to the report, the object struck the person in the face and caused an injury.
Investigators also determined the encounter violated an existing no-contact order between the parties.
The matter resulted in sustained violations categorized under departmental rules and regulations involving domestic violence.
Social media posts found to be harassment
A separate investigation concluded that Anthes published content on Facebook and Instagram with the sole purpose of annoying or harassing another person.
The report states the conduct reflected negatively on the police department.
Investigators further determined that Anthes improperly used a departmental social media profile to view another person’s social media content.
Those allegations also resulted in sustained violations under departmental rules and regulations involving domestic violence-related conduct.
Internal affairs records security concerns uncovered
Another sustained investigation involved confidential records and supervisory responsibilities.
According to the report, Anthes provided a subordinate officer with unauthorized and unsupervised access to his office, department computer username, and password.
Investigators also found that keys to a confidential internal affairs filing cabinet were stored unsecured inside the office, potentially allowing access to sensitive investigative records.
The report lists the sustained charges as failure to supervise, records accountability violations, and improper handling of confidential information.
Loaded firearm left accessible to children
In a fourth investigation, Anthes admitted leaving his department-issued firearm in an unsecured location while it remained loaded.
According to the disciplinary report, the weapon was left in a place that was easily accessible to minor children.
The matter resulted in sustained violations involving departmental weapons and ammunition policies.
Termination sought before resignation
The Attorney General’s report notes that department officials sought termination in connection with these investigations.
However, Anthes resigned before the disciplinary process reached final disposition.
As a result, the report indicates he was not terminated, suspended, or demoted. Instead, he separated from employment while the cases remained pending.
The major discipline report does not identify the police department involved or provide additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
The findings listed in the report represent sustained administrative violations determined through internal affairs investigations.
Key Points
• Patrolman Lawrence Anthes resigned while facing multiple sustained disciplinary investigations.
• One investigation found he injured another person by throwing a prescription bottle and violated a no-contact order.
• A separate case involved social media posts determined to be intended to harass another person.
• Investigators found he improperly provided access to confidential records and internal affairs materials.
• Anthes admitted leaving a loaded department-issued firearm unsecured and accessible to children.
