What to Know
- Two Asbury Park police officers are accused of vandalizing two cars owned by a citizen who had filed administrative complaints against them
- Monmouth County prosecutors say the cops - 26-year-old Thomas Dowling and 29-year-old Stephen Martinsen - both face eight charges overall
- Authorities say the acts occurred days after the citizen filed the complaint, but they didn't disclose further details about the allegations
Two police officers are accused of vandalizing two cars owned by a citizen who had filed administrative complaints against them.
Monmouth County prosecutors say the Asbury Park officers - 26-year-old Thomas Dowling and 29-year-old Stephen Martinsen - both face eight charges overall, including criminal mischief and weapons counts. Both were arrested Tuesday, and it's not known if either man has retained an attorney.
Martinsen and Dowling could be sentenced to up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted of the third-degree charges they face and 72 months in prison if convicted of the fourth-degree charges.
The charges stem from separate vandalism incidents that recently occurred in Neptune and in Asbury Park. They say the vehicles' tires were slashed and other damage occurred.
Authorities say the acts occurred several days after the citizen filed the complaint, but they didn't disclose further details about the allegations.
“The vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties with integrity and honor. However, when a police officer takes advantage of the very citizens they are sworn to protect, it erodes public confidence and violates the public’s trust. Such behavior will never be acceptable or tolerated. If these charges prove to be true, this is the quintessential definition of a breach of trust between law enforcement and the public,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement.
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Dowling, who was a special officer, has been fired. Martinsen, a full-time officer, was suspended without pay.
“Their behavior is not acceptable and does not represent the level of professionalism, community focus or resident safety that we expect of our officers. We will not let the actions of these officers overshadow the great work and dedication by the men and women of this department,” Asbury Park Police Chief David Kelso said in a statement.
