FRENCHTOWN BOROUGH, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A joint investigation has led to criminal charges against Frenchtown Animal Control Officer (ACO) Carolyn Murphy, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.
The investigation began on April 11, when Frenchtown Police stopped a vehicle driven by Gerardo Martinez, 31, of Green Forest, Arkansas, for a motor vehicle infraction. During the stop, police discovered that Martinez had an active warrant and was transporting a valuable dog—an American Bulldog worth approximately $3,500—belonging to Kingpin Kennels, Robeson said.
Police then contacted ACO Murphy, 50, of Stockton, to take temporary custody of the dog, which was later confirmed to be owned by Jose A. Rosado, 24, of Gloucester City. However, ACO Murphy allegedly refused to return the dog to its rightful owner, Robeson said.
As a result, Murphy has been charged with two counts of second-degree official misconduct and one count of third-degree theft. A pre-indictment court event is scheduled for December 9 in Hunterdon County Superior Court, Robeson said.
If convicted, second-degree crimes may lead to penalties including a prison term of five to ten years and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes can result in imprisonment for three to five years and fines not exceeding $15,000.
