Concern Expressed by Borough Council About Delay in Resolving Police Case

Dilshanie Perera

“Does anyone share any outrage, or are we so unconcerned and passive about taxpayer money?” asked Borough Council member Roger Martindell regarding the long delay in resolving the case of the Borough Police officers who have been suspended with pay since February.

Borough Police Sergeants Kenneth Riley and Kevin Creegan, as well as Patrolman William Perez, were suspended following an internal affairs investigation. In September, Sgt. Riley was indicted by a Mercer County grand jury on six criminal charges, including computer criminal activity, unlawful access and disclosure of computer data, and official misconduct. His pay was suspended following the indictment, while Sgt. Creegan and Patrolman Perez continue to receive pay.

According to Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi, the County’s prosecutor is waiting for the transcripts from the grand jury before proceeding with the case. Mr. Martindell remarked that the Borough “can’t let the prosecutor tell us that there’s no information and we have to keep paying the guy.”

To clarify, Council member David Goldfarb mentioned that of the two police officers who are “still being paid,” one has been recommended for an administrative hearing, and the other is still having his case reviewed by the prosecutor’s office. Mr. Goldfarb noted that if Sgt. Riley is found not guilty, the Borough would have to pay him the monies withheld since September.

“I’m looking for results; I’m looking for strategies,” announced Mr. Martindell after Mayor Mildred Trotman assured him that she would call the prosecutor’s office. She said that the case is “a concern to each of us.”

In other news, Mayor Trotman announced a special joint meeting between the Borough and the Township on Monday, December 15, at 7 p.m. in Township Municipal Hall. Tax Assessor Neal Snyder, as well as a representative from Appraisal Systems will be present to explain how the reevaluation will work. The meeting is open to the public.

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