Full Notification

CLINTON TOWN: Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III and Town of Clinton Police Chief Brett Matheis announced the arrest of Town of Clinton Patrol Officer Leon Cohen as a result of a joint investigation conducted by the HCPO Bureau of Professional Standards and the Town of Clinton Police Department Internal Affairs Unit.
Prosecutor Kearns said, “In mid-June, the Town of Clinton Police Department Internal Affairs Unit began an investigation into possible misconduct by Patrolman Leon Cohen. It soon became apparent that the investigation involved possible criminal acts. At that time, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office joined the investigation. Evidence obtained by detectives resulted in Cohen being charged with Official Misconduct, Theft, and Forgery.”
“The investigation originated when members of the police department reported to their supervisors that Patrolman Cohen was possibly selling police issued equipment on the internet. Further investigation revealed that Cohen was falsifying documents to obtain additional equipment, purportedly for the DARE Program, and possibly selling the equipment or keeping it for his own personal use,” according to Kearns.
According to Chief Matheis, “Patrolman Cohen began working for the Town of Clinton Police Department in 1999. Part of his duties included School Resource Officer and DARE Officer for Clinton Public School. He is currently suspended from the department.”
Prosecutor Kearns added, “The allegations were investigated properly and thoroughly. Anytime a police officer violates the public trust, he will be held accountable.”
The Honorable Stephen B. Rubin, J.S.C. set bail for Cohen at $50,000. He is due in court for his first appearance on July 15, 2011. Cohen faces 5-10 years in prison if found guilty of the Official Misconduct charge.
The filing of a criminal complaint is merely a step in the criminal justice process. The defendant is presumed innocent until the matter is resolved in a court of law.