Frenchtown Animal Control Officer Charged With Misconduct And Theft

FRENCHTOWN, N.J. — A Frenchtown animal control officer has been charged with misconduct and theft for refusing to return a dog to its owner.

Carolyn Murphy, 50, of Stockton, New Jersey, faces two counts of second-degree official misconduct by a public servant and one count of third-degree theft, announced Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson and Frenchtown Police Director Mark S. Gantner following a joint investigation.

On April 11, Frenchtown Police stopped Gerardo Martinez, 31, of Green Forrest, Arkansas for a motor vehicle infraction. During the stop, police discovered that Martinez had an active warrant and was transporting an American Bulldog valued at approximately $3,500 for Kingpin Kennels.

Police contacted Murphy to take temporary custody of the dog, which was later determined to be owned by Jose A. Rosado, 24, of Gloucester City, New Jersey. Police said that Murphy later refused to return the dog to its owner.

A pre-indictment court event is scheduled for December 9 in the Hunterdon County Superior Court. Murphy is represented by Salvatore DiFazio, Esq.

Second-degree crimes may result in penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between five and 10 years and a fine not to exceed $150,000. Third-degree crimes may result in penalties including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment between three and five years and a fine not to exceed $15,000.