WHARTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — A Morris County man was arrested Thursday after allegedly assaulting a Wharton Borough police officer and resisting arrest when officers attempted to serve him with a complaint summons, authorities said.
Douglas Godfrey Jr., 41, of Wharton, was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, obstructing administration of law, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, according to Wharton Police.
Police said Officer Brett Rossi went to Godfrey’s residence to serve him with a complaint summons related to a prior disorderly conduct violation. Godfrey allegedly refused to accept the summons, prompting Rossi to leave it on the front deck.
As Rossi began to walk away, Godfrey allegedly grabbed the officer’s arm. After being warned not to make further unprovoked contact, Godfrey then attempted to bump Rossi with his chest, police said. At that point, he was placed under arrest.
Godfrey allegedly resisted as officers attempted to handcuff him, refusing to give them his hands. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody. Police said Godfrey yelled and caused a disturbance in the neighborhood while being placed in the patrol vehicle, kicking the car doors several times before being secured.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
According to police, Godfrey had been arrested previously in September 2025 for similar behavior with another Wharton officer. In both incidents, officers reported that Godfrey appeared intoxicated, noting slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol.
Wharton Police said Godfrey has made a series of unverified claims during past interactions, including that he is a multimillionaire, owns multiple vacation homes, was drafted by the New York Mets, fought professionally in the UFC, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and worked as a security official for political commentator Charlie Kirk. Police said none of those claims have been substantiated.
