Deal Cop From Long Branch Busted For Drugs, Tampering: MCPO

A New Jersey police officer was arrested this week on drugs and witness tampering charges, police said.

Deal Police Officer Joseph Ammaturo, 37, of Long Branch, was arrested Wednesday night, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Ammaturo, who has worked for the Deal Police Department for approximately 14 years, was arrested by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility and Narcotics Units and charged with third-degree Conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance, third-degree witness tampering, and a disorderly persons charge of possession of marijuana.

Ammaturo had a first appearance Thursday afternoon before James M. Newman, a municipal judge, at the Monmouth County Jail. Ammaturo was released on the conditions that he report to Pretrial Services monthly, have no victim contact, and refrain from drug use.

The arrest of Ammaturo today marks the 15th law enforcement officer being prosecuted since Gramiccioni took office on July 1, 2012.

“There is no greater breach of the public’s trust than a sworn law enforcement officer who breaks the laws he is sworn to uphold. This office will aggressively pursue and prosecute any officers who cross that line. It is a stain on the reputations of all hardworking and honest police officers when one of their own violates the public trust in this way,” according to Prosecutor Gramiccioni.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any pertinent information, please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Daniel Newman at 732-431-7160, extension 7167.

If convicted, Ammaturo faces a maximum of 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. If convicted of the disorderly persons charge of Possession of Marijuana, Officer Ammaturo faces a maximum of 6 months in jail.

Google photo of Deal offices