Probe Into Nutley Fire Chief Continues; Hudson Prosecutor Takes Case

NUTLEY, NJ — NOTE: Read our update to this article here.

An investigation into Nutley’s fire chief continues in the wake of an internet video that was posted earlier this month, authorities said Wednesday.

The Nutley Police Department first announced the probe last week, confirming that authorities are investigating allegations against a “volunteer fire chief” that involved a video posted by a YouTuber.

No charges had been filed against the chief, Nutley police said.

The case was initially assigned to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, which told Patch that no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

The probe stems from a video OBL Nation posted of man in New Jersey, which claimed that the man thought he was meeting with a 14-year-old juvenile at the Walmart in North Bergen – only to find the YouTube channel's host waiting for him instead.

A shorter version of the video has since been posted to Instagram.

Multiple news outlets have identified the man in the video as Henry D. Meola, who was sworn in as Nutley's fire chief two years ago.

On Wednesday, the Nutley Police Department issued a brief update, noting that the case has been transferred to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Preliminary investigation determined the alleged incident may have occurred in Hudson County and subsequently was turned over to that jurisdiction for further investigation,” police stated. “This remains an active investigation, and potential charges are under review.”

Nutley police referred further questions to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, which told Patch that the matter “remains under investigation.”

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