Relative Of Essex County Top Cop Accused Of Assaulting 2 Women: Report

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A relative of a soon-to-retire top cop in Essex County has been accused of assaulting and threatening two women – allegations that he denies, a report says.

David C. Fontoura, 37, of Roseland, was arrested Aug. 29 in Nutley and charged with six counts of third and fourth-degree aggravated assault, multiple weapons offenses and two counts each of criminal restraint and terroristic threats. He has been suspended without pay from his job as a lieutenant with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, NJ Advance Media reported.

It is alleged that the incidents took place in Nutley in 2019 and 2020. Fontoura worked with – and dated – both women, NJ Advance Media reported. Read the full article here.

Fontoura’s attorney said his client is denying all the charges, adding that the accused lieutenant’s law enforcement career has been “nothing other than pristine and first-rate.” He also alleged that the charges may be politically motivated: Fontoura is the grandson of Armando Fontoura, the longest-serving sheriff in Essex County history, who is retiring and isn’t seeking re-election in 2024.

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