Second Mercer County Sheriff's Officer Accused Of Domestic Abuse In 5 Months

Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler said Tuesday morning that his office has “zero tolerance” for domestic abuse in the community and among the officers. The statement comes one day after a report that a second sheriff’s officer has been charged with assaulting his wife in the last five months.

Sheriff’s Officer Scott Schoellkopf was charged with simple assault on Friday night, April 28, according to The Trentonian. He was arrested at his home after police say they saw his wife suffering from visible injuries. Schoellkopf was previously suspended after it was discovered he was changing subordinates’ performance reports. It was his third policy violation, but he has never been fired.

In November of last year, Sheriff’s Officer Aaron Scolnick was charged with simple assault, possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity magazine and possession of a switchblade knife after police say he assaulted his wife at their home in Hamilton Township, according to nj.com.

The most recent arrest prompted Kemler to release a statement about his office’s handling of domestic violence situations.

“The Sheriff and his senior staff continually reevaluate the training that officers receive in order to make certain that all regular classes, online instruction and periodic guidance is up to date for individual officers,” the office said in the statement. “As per State Attorney General Guidelines, there is an annual (mandatory) training component for our officers on the following topics: Use of Force, Vehicle Pursuit and Domestic Violence.

“If an officer violates any of our “Standard Operating Procedures”, any rules, or is accused of any criminal wrongdoing, we make certain that it is investigated fairly and thoroughly, for both the officer and/or any persons involved.”

The office said that when an incident first comes to light, the Sheriff’s Internal Affairs Unit conducts a preliminary review before turning the investigation over to the appropriate county prosecutor’s office for a full and complete assessment.

“Each investigation is handled with great seriousness, and once it is properly reviewed and adjudicated, we take all appropriate actions,” the office continued. “It is important to make clear that no one, not even a Sheriff’s Officer is above the law.”

“Domestic abuse and violence affects individuals in all of our communities, regardless of occupation, age, gender, race, religion, or nationality,” Kemler said. “Like many employers, it is impossible to control how people behave outside of the workplace and at home. Therefore, I urge anyone who has been a victim, feels threatened, or is seeking help to call the New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). The confidential 24-hour, seven day-a-week hotline aids domestic abuse victims and others seeking information, referral services or crisis intervention.”

See Related Story: Domestic Violence Sweep Nets 10 In Mercer County: Sheriff