Authorities say a former New Jersey police officer who was fired a decade ago continued to wear his uniform in public to receive favors and get a girlfriend.
Newark resident Eddie Gonzalez was convicted Thursday of impersonating a police officer and filing false police reports.
Gonzalez handed in his badge, but prosecutors say he continued to wear his police uniform. Authorities say he used it in 2013 to enter into a relationship with a woman, whom he accused of stalking him and violating a restraining order.
Police say Gonzalez was lying to them.
The 39-year-old was forced to resign in 2008 after police said he assaulted a 14-year-old neighbor by forcing his tongue into her mouth.
Gonzalez faces a minimum of 18 months in prison.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
