Police arrest suspect’s parents after probe into alleged police impersonation in Hunterdon County
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Raritan Township police announced additional arrests in an investigation into reported police-impersonation incidents, charging the parents of an 18-year-old man previously arrested in the case.
After further investigation following the arrest of Dean R. Pluchino, authorities said township investigators uncovered additional evidence that led to the arrest of his parents, David Pluchino, 51, and Reneen Pluchino, 49, both of Raritan Township.
Police said David and Reneen Pluchino were each charged by criminal complaint with fourth-degree conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence.
The new charges stem from the same investigation that resulted in the arrest of Dean Pluchino, who police said was charged with two counts of fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer and one count of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence. Readington Township police also charged him with fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer, officials said.
Authorities have said investigators identified the suspect and a vehicle allegedly involved and executed a search warrant at a Raritan Township residence, where they located both the vehicle and the suspect. The investigation included assistance from the Readington Township Police Department and Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, according to Raritan Township Police Chief Al Payne.
Dean Pluchino was released onto pretrial monitoring with conditions, officials said. He is represented by attorney Anthony P. Kearns III.
Police previously thanked area residents for providing information and cooperating with investigators, saying it played “a significant role” in resolving the case.
Fourth-degree charges in New Jersey can carry penalties including up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Authorities emphasized that defendants are 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 may 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.
