ENGLISHTOWN – An investigation has led to charges that the chief of police used law enforcement databases to look up information on citizens and also helped someone shoplift.
Peter S. Cooke, 58, was charged with third-degree Computer Theft and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit investigated the chief’s actions, alleging that he used a law-enforcement database to look up information about two people outside of the scope of any law enforcement purpose on multiple dates between February 2019 and August 2023.
While on administrative leave, on multiple dates in August and September 2024, Cooke allegedly aided a co-conspirator in that individual’s shoplifting from a local grocery store.
This case is being prosecuted by MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Professional Responsibility Unit. Cooke is being represented by Debbie Simon, with an office in West Orange.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
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