Man charged after investigation into police-impersonation incidents in Hunterdon County, prosecutor says
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — An 18-year-old Raritan Township man has been charged in connection with reported police-impersonation incidents following an investigation that included assistance from the Readington Township Police Department, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson and Raritan Township Police Chief Al Payne said.
Authorities said investigators identified the suspect and vehicle allegedly involved and executed a search warrant at a residence in Raritan Township, where they located both the vehicle and the suspect. The suspect was identified as Dean R. Pluchino, 18, of Raritan Township.
Raritan Township police charged Pluchino with two counts of fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer and one count of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, according to the announcement. Readington Township police also charged Pluchino with fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Pluchino was released onto pretrial monitoring with conditions, officials said. He is represented by Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq.
The agencies thanked area residents for providing information and cooperating with investigators, saying it played “a significant role” in resolving the case.
Fourth-degree charges may carry penalties including up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, officials noted. Authorities also emphasized that every person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 788-1129 or the Raritan Township Police Department at (908) 782-8889. Tips can also be submitted through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010, and anonymous reports will be kept confidential, officials said.
