MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The Morris County police officer accused of stalking and attacking a woman has had the charges against him dropped, his attorney says.
Gregory M. Dietz, 34, is a patrol officer with the Florham Park Police Department. According to Roseland police, he was charged with second-degree aggravated assault, fourth-degree stalking, harassment, and trespassing on July 19.
Related: NJ Cop Accused Of Choking Out Woman Suspended, Police Chief Says
Specifically, Dietz was accused of harassing a woman for months. The alleged harassment came to a boiling point when he, according to police, showed up at the woman's home and choked her unconscious when she refused his romantic advances.
However, on Wednesday, Dietz's attorney Marco Laracca said that the charges have been dropped.
"Anyone can be accused of a crime. But an accusation is not proof, and everyone accused deserves to be treated fairly and judged on the evidence," said Laracca. "The Essex County Prosecutor's Office's decision to dismiss these charges reflects a fundamental principle of our justice system- criminal charges should proceed only when supported by sufficient evidence. I am tremendously happy for Mr. Dietz and his family. They have endured an extraordinarily difficult ordeal, and I hope they can now put this nightmare behind them and move forward with their lives."
Dietz and his attorney adamantly denied the charges since they were brought on.
Dietz was suspended from the Florham Park Police Department without pay following the charges. It's not clear at this time when he will be reinstated to the force.
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