Post by KC on Jun 15, 2006 23:03:56 GMT -5
June 15, 2006 - EAST ORANGE, NJ - East Orange police officer Marcos Rodriguez was indicted for allegedly failing to assist a motorist who was injured in a vehicular accident which resulted in injuries.
A grand jury indicted Rodriguez on second-degree counts of official misconduct and conspiracy to commit official misconduct after he reportedly failed to report the incident and assist a victim after a pursuit.
The charges stem from an Sept. 8, 2005 incident in Newark. According to prosecutors with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Rodriguez chased a white Lincoln into Newark. The vehicle being pursued crashed into a Nissan which was being driven by Dana Golson, a federal customs and border agent who works at Newark Liberty International Airport. Golson suffered injuries which resulted in the removal of her spleen and a kidney. She also was treated for a collapsed lung, broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade.
Rodriguez has been suspended without pay pending trial. He faces a 5- to 10-year prison sentence if he is convicted.
“It’s a sad day when a police officer’s conduct warrants action by a grand jury,” said Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow in a statement. “Today’s indictment sends a strong message that this office will prosecute all matters to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to Assistant Prosecutor John F. Wojtal, Rodriguez did not called the pursuit into East Orange police. Rodriguez then allegedly left the scene without reporting the crash.
In published reports, an attorney for Rodriguez stated the officer was not involved in an active chase but was following the Lincoln after being told during roll call to look for armed robbers. The attorney said the pursuit did not exceed 25 mph. When Rodriguez saw the Lincoln, he followed it about a mile into Newark. He turned at the intersection where the crash occurred, reportedly without seeing or hearing anything.
Rodriguez was indicted after a colleague testified before the grand jury after being granted immunity. The officer, Kwame Zimah Hughes, Hughes was in the patrol car with Rodriguez.
A New Jersey State Trooper responded to the accident, Dow stated.
When criminal charges were made against Rodriguez and Hughes nine months ago, they were both reassigned to non-law enforcement duties. Hughes’ case is still under review as to what disciplinary action will be taken.
Rodriguez’s bail hearing is scheduled for June 26, reported Dow.
A grand jury indicted Rodriguez on second-degree counts of official misconduct and conspiracy to commit official misconduct after he reportedly failed to report the incident and assist a victim after a pursuit.
The charges stem from an Sept. 8, 2005 incident in Newark. According to prosecutors with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Rodriguez chased a white Lincoln into Newark. The vehicle being pursued crashed into a Nissan which was being driven by Dana Golson, a federal customs and border agent who works at Newark Liberty International Airport. Golson suffered injuries which resulted in the removal of her spleen and a kidney. She also was treated for a collapsed lung, broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade.
Rodriguez has been suspended without pay pending trial. He faces a 5- to 10-year prison sentence if he is convicted.
“It’s a sad day when a police officer’s conduct warrants action by a grand jury,” said Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow in a statement. “Today’s indictment sends a strong message that this office will prosecute all matters to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to Assistant Prosecutor John F. Wojtal, Rodriguez did not called the pursuit into East Orange police. Rodriguez then allegedly left the scene without reporting the crash.
In published reports, an attorney for Rodriguez stated the officer was not involved in an active chase but was following the Lincoln after being told during roll call to look for armed robbers. The attorney said the pursuit did not exceed 25 mph. When Rodriguez saw the Lincoln, he followed it about a mile into Newark. He turned at the intersection where the crash occurred, reportedly without seeing or hearing anything.
Rodriguez was indicted after a colleague testified before the grand jury after being granted immunity. The officer, Kwame Zimah Hughes, Hughes was in the patrol car with Rodriguez.
A New Jersey State Trooper responded to the accident, Dow stated.
When criminal charges were made against Rodriguez and Hughes nine months ago, they were both reassigned to non-law enforcement duties. Hughes’ case is still under review as to what disciplinary action will be taken.
Rodriguez’s bail hearing is scheduled for June 26, reported Dow.