North Bergen, NJ – A civil complaint has rocked the North Bergen Police Department, with Chief Robert Farley accused of a series of bizarre and disturbing acts, including defecating on office floors, spiking the department’s coffee with Viagra and Adderall, and stabbing an officer in the penis with a hypodermic needle.
The allegations, detailed in a legal filing by five officers, paint a picture of a toxic workplace under Farley’s leadership, who was appointed chief in February 2024.
The officers—Special Captain Michael F. Derrin, Detective Michael A. Derrin, Lt. Alex Guzman, Officer Rasheed Siyam, and Officer Christopher Bowen—claim Farley’s behavior spans juvenile pranks to potentially criminal acts, coupled with retaliation against those who attempted to report him.
According to NJ.com, which initially published the report, the complaint alleges Farley punished officers who sought to escalate their concerns to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, including an incident where Special Captain Derrin was allegedly fired while en route to file a report.
The complaint outlines a range of alleged offenses. Among the more serious claims, Detective Michael A. Derrin reported witnessing Farley dump Viagra and Adderall into a communal coffee pot, stirring the drugs until they dissolved, then waiting for unsuspecting officers to drink it.
Special Captain Derrin alleged Farley chased him around the office before jabbing a hypodermic needle into his penis, drawing blood. Other accusations include Farley defecating in garbage cans and on the floor, exposing himself to staff, and using racial slurs against Officer Siyam, who claims he was called “camel jockey” and “terrorist” by Farley and others in the department.
Less severe but equally disruptive pranks reportedly included setting off car alarms, leaving crumbs on desks, and placing firecrackers under chairs. The officers also allege Farley sent a pride flag and masturbation cream to one officer’s home—where it was discovered by his family—and shaved his body hair onto colleagues’ food.
Farley, a 26-year veteran of the department whose father and grandfather served as deputy chiefs, has not responded to requests for comment.
The Township of North Bergen, however, issued a strong denial of the allegations in a statement to The Daily Beast. “The Township of North Bergen has full confidence in Chief Robert Farley’s leadership of the North Bergen Police Department and we strongly deny these false and outrageous allegations made by disgruntled officers who are resorting to attacking the reputation of a dedicated public servant to further their own selfish goals,” the statement read.
The township further vowed to “vigorously defend North Bergen taxpayers” if the claims proceed to a lawsuit, labeling them “false and defamatory.” To avoid a conflict of interest, officials have referred the matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for review, expressing confidence that the allegations will be disproven.
The officers’ attorney, Toscano, has called for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to take over the department’s operations, citing fears for his clients’ safety. The complaint also alleges retaliation, such as Officer Bowen’s reassignment to an undesirable shift after failing to meet arrest and ticket quotas, and Officer Siyam’s punishment for cooperating with an internal affairs investigation into civil rights violations.
As the state investigation unfolds, the North Bergen Police Department—serving a township of over 60,000 residents—faces intense scrutiny.
Farley, sworn in as the 11th chief in the department’s history, succeeded Chief Peter Fasilis, who retired in January 2024 after 26 years of service. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the department’s leadership and its relationship with the community it serves.
