Bergen Sheriff Quits After He's Caught Making Racist Remarks

The Bergen County sheriff resigned Friday following a report that he was taped making racially-charged comments about African-Americans and the state Attorney General. Four others in his office also quit.

In a statement, Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino announced that he was resigning effective immediately. Also, Executive Undersheriff George Buono, Undersheriff Robert Colaneri, Undersheriff Brian Smith and Undersheriff Joseph Hornyak also quit effective immediately.

Saudino's office issued the statement a day after Gov. Phil Murphy called for his resignation. Saudino initially apologized for the remarks but did not say he would resign as sheriff, adding that his remarks do not represent who he is as a person.

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."

On Friday, Murphy said Saudino's resignation means "we can now begin the process of restoring faith in the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office after so much of it was so quickly eroded."

"And, we can begin the process of ensuring that the bigoted beliefs displayed by the former sheriff are not given shelter in any corner of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office – now or in the future," he said.

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.”

Pending the appointment of an interim sheriff by Murphy, Sheriff’s Office Chief Kevin Pell will be the officer-in-charge of the Sheriff’s Department’s operations. Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Warden Steve Ahrendt will be the officer-in-charge of the Bergen County jail’s operations, according to authorities.

In the recording, Saudino can also allegedly be heard inquiring about Lt. Gov. Shelia Oliver, who is not married, according to WNYC. Oliver lives in Oakland. "Is she gay?" Saudino said, according to the report. "Because she's never been married."

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 was 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 were made 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."

Bergen County Sheriff's Office photo of Saudino