Elected Official From Gloucester County Dies Suddenly Amid Investigation

A Trenton Police officer who was under investigation for allegedly having sex with a prostitute while on duty has apparently taken his own life, the Courier Post reports.

Ed Leopardi was also a township committeeman in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, and was the former mayor of that township, according to the report.

He died suddenly in his home Wednesday night, according to nj.com. Franklin Township Police and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office are conducting the investigation into his death.

One day earlier, the Trentonian identified Leopardi as an officer who was under investigation for allegedly having sex with a prostitute at the Trenton Police Department’s K-9 training facility.

On Wednesday, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the existence of an investigation to Patch, but didn’t confirm the details.

According to gloucodems.com, Leopardi was a police officer for 21 years, a volunteer firefighter for 24 years, a former EMT, a former Little League coach and umpire, and was married with three children. He earned two medals of valor as a firefighter.

Franklin Township Mayor Sheryl Neely called it a “sad day for the community,” according to NJ 101.5. Franklin Township Committee canceled Wednesday night’s meeting upon learning of Leopardi’s death.