Newark Cop Illegally Worked Side Job While On Sick Leave: Prosecutors

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark police officer was convicted of official misconduct and theft after he worked a private job while on paid sick leave five years ago, authorities announced Thursday.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Anthony Gibson took sick leave from the Newark Police Division from March 6, 2018, through November 2, 2018. During that period, he received his full pay and benefits from the City of Newark.

Here’s the problem, prosecutors said:

“At the same time, Gibson worked a private security job at a local hospital on 32 days between March 20, 2018, and September 22, 2018. On 31 of those days, he worked during the same hours he was scheduled to work for the Newark Police. He was paid more than $46,000 from the City of Newark and $4,700 from the local hospital for the security job. He was suspended without pay in November of 2018.”

Gibson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28. The official misconduct conviction requires a mandatory five-year prison sentence, prosecutors said.

Gibson was remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility, prosecutors said.

He also faces other charges, authorities added:

“In addition, Gibson has two open indictments, which include charges of distribution of controlled dangerous substances, conspiracy, and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges and remains innocent until proven guilty.”

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