A suspended detective with the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office is charged with conducting an unauthorized investigation into a relative's minor vehicle crash.
Detective Sgt. Robert Harkins Jr., 48, of Wildwood Crest, allegedly looked into the crash in a Middle Township store parking lot to help identify the driver of the other vehicle, who left without exchanging information with Harkins' relative.
Harkins didn't record his official actions, and even subpoenaed store without approval, permission or lawful authority, according to the charges.
He also allegedly used his affiliation with the Prosecutor's Office to send official requests for information to state agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Harkins eventually sent his findings — including a 10-page report and a file of various documents — to the Middle Township Police Department.
Middle Township police then notified the Prosecutor's Office and an internal review by the Professional Standards Unit led to the matter being referred to the
The 24-year veteran is charged with conspiracy to tamper with public records or information and tampering, both third-degree crimes.
Harkins had a salary of $112,530 last year, records show.
The Middle Township Police Department, which was actually responsible for the official investigation of the accident, advised CMCPO of the situation. Following an internal review by its Professional Standards Unit, CMCPO referred the matter to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of as much as $15,000.
OPIA has a toll-free Tipline 1-844-OPIA-TIPS for the public to report corruption. The AG’s Office has an Anti-Corruption Reward Program that offers a reward of up to $25,000 for tips leading to a conviction for a crime involving public corruption. Information is posted at: http://nj.gov/oag/corruption/reward.html.
