Two Passaic County sheriff’s sergeants were terminated following federal convictions, while several Passaic police officers received lengthy suspensions for misconduct, according to newly released state disciplinary records.
Multiple law enforcement officers from Passaic County agencies were disciplined during 2025, including two sheriff’s sergeants who were fired after pleading guilty in a federal obstruction of justice case. The actions were disclosed in New Jersey’s annual major discipline report, which details serious disciplinary measures imposed on officers statewide.
Key Points
• Two Passaic County Sheriff’s Office sergeants were terminated after federal guilty pleas
• Passaic Police Officer Junior Cuevas received suspensions totaling 210 days in separate cases
• Former Passaic Police Officer Edgar Delgado forfeited his position following a criminal case tied to a serious DWI crash
The New Jersey Attorney General’s major discipline report requires agencies to publicly disclose terminations, demotions, and suspensions exceeding five days.
Among the most serious cases were disciplinary actions involving two Passaic County Sheriff’s Office supervisors who were arrested by the FBI in 2024.
Sheriff’s sergeants terminated after federal convictions
Sergeant Jose Gonzalez was terminated after pleading guilty on May 27, 2025, to a federal charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice. According to the disciplinary report, Gonzalez was arrested by the FBI on Jan. 17, 2024, and placed on indefinite suspension pending the criminal case.
The Sheriff’s Office imposed a 336-day suspension before removing him from the agency effective May 27, 2025.
Sergeant Donald Vinales faced similar disciplinary action. Records show he was arrested alongside Gonzalez and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice on May 19, 2025.
Vinales received a 331-day suspension and was terminated effective the date of his guilty plea.
Passaic officer suspended after police vehicle crash
Passaic Police Officer Junior Cuevas received a 30-day suspension following a March 2024 crash involving another police vehicle while responding to an emergency call.
According to the report, investigators found Cuevas was traveling approximately 52 mph and failed to stop at a posted stop sign before colliding with another police unit at the intersection of Passaic Street and First Street. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage.
The disciplinary summary also noted that investigators determined his injuries may have been reduced had he been wearing a seat belt.
Officer receives 180-day suspension in separate misconduct cases
Cuevas was also disciplined in two unrelated incidents that resulted in an aggregate suspension of 180 days imposed during 2025.
One investigation found that while assigned to a Cold Blue detail at Dignity House in December 2024, Cuevas abandoned his post for several hours. Investigators also determined that during the assignment he engaged in a sexual act while on duty.
In a separate case, authorities found Cuevas ignored repeated direct orders from a supervisor to stop following a fleeing vehicle during an incident in September 2024. The report states he continued pursuing the vehicle despite multiple commands to disengage.
Former officer forfeits position after DWI crash case
The report also details disciplinary action involving former Passaic Police Officer Edgar Delgado, who resigned after a criminal case stemming from a July 2022 off-duty crash in Clifton.
According to the disciplinary summary, Delgado was charged with assault by auto causing serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury, endangering an injured victim, hindering apprehension, and driving while intoxicated.
A criminal disposition was reached in April 2024 through Pretrial Intervention. The report states Delgado was required to forfeit his law enforcement position before the administrative investigation was completed.
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