Hackensack, NJ – A Saddle Brook Police Department officer has been charged with aggravated assault, tampering with public records, and obstruction following an investigation into an arrest that allegedly violated the department’s use-of-force policy.
According to a statement released Tuesday by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, 43-year-old Attilio Dente, a Saddle Brook police officer, was arrested July 2 following an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Confidential Investigations Unit.
Investigation began after use-of-force referral
The investigation began June 10 after the Saddle Brook Police Department notified the prosecutor’s office of alleged violations involving the department’s use-of-force policy.
Investigators determined that on June 9, while attempting to arrest a man, Dente allegedly struck the individual in the head with his firearm, causing bodily injury. Prosecutors further allege that Dente made a false entry in an incident report and intentionally deactivated his body-worn camera while still at the scene.
Officer released pending court proceedings
As a result of the investigation, Dente was charged with third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree tampering with public records, and fourth-degree obstruction of the administration of law.
Following his arrest on July 2, Dente was released pending further court proceedings.
In announcing the charges, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella emphasized that the allegations remain accusations and that Dente “is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Musella also thanked the Saddle Brook Police Department for its assistance during the investigation.
