Murphy Calls On Bergen Sheriff To Quit, Cites Racist Remarks

Governor Phil Murphy called for Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino to resign following a report Thursday that Saudino made racially-charged comments about blacks and the state Attorney General.

Saudino issued a statement Thursday night, apologizing for the remarks. He did not say he would resign as sheriff. He said the remarks do not represent who he is as a person or the manner in which he conducts himself, both personally and professionally.

In the secret conversation, which was recorded Jan. 16 after Murphy was inaugurated, Saudino allegedly can be heard telling colleagues what he thought Murphy's speech was about: "...let the blacks come in, do what the f--- they want, smoke their marijuana, do this do that," according to WYNC, who first published the recording.

Saudino allegedly complained on the recording that Gurbir Grewal was appointed Attorney General only on the basis of his "turban." Grewal is the nation's first Sikh attorney general.

Murphy said the remarks are "utterly unacceptable."

“Without question, the comments made on that recording are appalling, and anyone using racist, homophobic, and hateful language is unfit for public office," the governor said in a statement to Patch. "If indeed that is Sheriff Saudino's voice on the recording, he must resign."

Gerwal, who lives in Glen Rock, issued a statement Thursday afternoon. He also said Saudino should resign immediately.

“I have now listened to the recording obtained by WNYC. If that is in fact Sheriff Saudino's voice, then he should resign immediately," Grewal said. "I’ve got thick skin and I've been called far worse. But the comments about the African-American community are wrong, racist, and hurtful. The comments about our Lieutenant Governor are inappropriate and homophobic. New Jersey and Bergen County deserve better.”

Saudino's complete statement was:

"At this time I would like to offer my sincere apology to the people of Bergen County for the
insensitive recorded remarks that were made public today.
These remarks are not representative of the person that I am and they are in no way consistent with the
manner in which I have conducted my life personally and as a law enforcement professional with over 46
years of service to the residents of Bergen County.
During my time as the Bergen County Sheriff I have worked hard to successfully increase the
diversity of the membership in the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department. This increased diversity has
been accomplished while working hand-in-hand with the members and leadership of our minority
communities in Bergen County.
In an effort to repair the damage to the friendships that I have built with these communities I have
reached out directly to several respected leaders in the communities I have offended and I have personally
offered my apologizes and I have asked for their forgiveness and for their communities’ forgiveness.
Going forward I will continue to treat everyone with the respect and dignity that is deserved by
all and to be diligent in my duty to protect and defend the rights of all our residents."

Saudino can also allegedly be heard on the recording inquiring about Lt. Gov. Shelia Oliver, who is not married. Oliver lives in Oakland.

"Is she gay?" Saudino said. "Because she's never been married."

A Bergen County Sheriff's Office spokesman did not immediately return a phone call requesting comment.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III issued a statement Thursday that echoed Murphy's.

"Having worked with the sheriff for years, I am shocked and disappointed to hear these comments," Tedesco said. "Bergen County’s diversity is our strength and his statements are clearly inconsistent with our values. In the best interest of the public, he should step down.”

The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders also said Saudino should step down.

"As a body and as individuals, we are disappointed in the comments attributed to Sheriff Saudino. Such comments are wholly unacceptable and run counter to everything we believe in. We take great pride in our county’s diversity and celebrate bringing people of all backgrounds together. We call on the sheriff to step down."

According to WNYC, there were multiple people in the room with Saudino when the recording was made, including two undersheriffs, who were not identified in the report.

Saudino is in his third three-year term as sheriff. He was first elected in 2010. He is up for reelection in November 2019.

It is the second time this year insensitive remarks about Grewal and his turban. Members of the Sikh faith wear turbans.

Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco, who host "The Dennis & Judi Show," the midday show on NJ 101.5 FM, were suspended for 10 days after they mocked Grewal, calling him "turban man" on their radio show. (See related: 2 NJ 101.5 Radio Hosts Suspended After 'Hate Speech' Toward AG)

Murphy called those comments "abhorrent and xenophobic."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (By Spencer Platt/Getty Images)