Sparta NJ Official Misconduct ConvictionThe ex-mayor of Sparta NJ was convicted of official misconduct charges and is due to be sentenced in January.

The defendant was the mayor of Sparta from July 2008 to July 2009. After finishing his term, he served as the third-highest ranking officer of the New Jersey Human Services Police.

The criminal charges against the defendant stemmed from his time working for the agency. He was accused of illegally using state databases to conduct background checks for personal reasons.

According to prosecutors, the defendant directed a subordinate employee to conduct background checks on players on the Sussex Skyhawks, a minor league baseball team. The defendant reportedly instructed the employee to use the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database in order to acquire information about the players.

Prosecutors also alleged that the defendant told an agency employee to conduct a background check on a home health aide he was considering hiring for his mother.

Although a Mercer County Superior Court jury acquired the defendant on charges of theft by deception, the jury found him guilty on charges of official misconduct and computer theft.

The conviction means that the defendant will lose his job with the New Jersey Human Services Police. He will also be prohibited from working as a public employee in New Jersey.

The defendant is scheduled to return to Mercer County Superior Court on January 30 for sentencing.

For more information about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Report: Sentencing Set for Ex-Sparta Mayor Convicted of Illegally Running Background Checks.”

 

If you are facing official misconduct charges in New Jersey, contact Morristown NJ criminal defense attorney Travis J. Tormey for a free consultation about your case.