Lakewood man arrested for tipping off drug dealer about a raid
A Lakewood man who allegedly tipped off a drug dealer about a scheduled raid is arrested and charged.
Ocean County Prosecutors say Jorge Lopez spotted officers readying to execute a narcotics related search warrant March 16 in a township building and was told not to say anything.
He didn't listen.
Lopez, who works as a township custodian which is why he was allowed in the building, immediately ran off and told the dealer.
Lakewood Det. Sgt. Leroy Marshall brought the matter to the attention of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Internal Affairs Unit who worked in conjunction with the OCPO High Tech Unit to assist Lakewood Police.
Lopez is charged with Official Misconduct pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:30-2(a), a second degree offense, for acting with purpose to obtain a benefit for himself or other, he committed an act relating to his public employment but one that was not authorized.
He was processed on a summons consistent New Jersey Bail Reform Act and will be required to answer the charges at a future date.
Senior Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor William Scharfenberg approved the charges against Lopez.
The public is reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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