Indicted Jersey City police officers plead not guilty at arraignment
Jersey City Police Officer Michael O'Neill appears in court for his arraignment on June 27, 2016. O'Neill is one of three current Jersey City police officers and one retired captain, charged with conspiracy, theft by deception, falsifying records, official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct. Michaelangelo Conte | The Jersey Journal
on June 27, 2016 at 3:22 PM, updated June 27, 2016 at 3:47 PM
JERSEY CITY -- Three Jersey City police officers and one retired police captain were arraigned this morning in connection to a 107-count indictment accusing them of falsifying records and getting paid for off-duty work they never performed.
Attorneys representing officers Michael Maietti and Michael O'Neill, Lt. Kelly Chesler, as well as retired Capt. Joseph Ascolese, entered not guilty pleas on behalf of their clients at the arraignment before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez.
The four are charged with conspiracy, theft by deception, falsifying records, official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct. The indictment alleges they all falsified pay vouchers.
The three active officers were suspended without pay following their indictment. All have been released on bail. Official misconduct is a second degree crime carrying a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years.
At today's hearing, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Peter Stoma said the state is making no plea offers to the defendants but added that the state is having discussions with the defendants to determine if the matter can be resolved prior to a trial.
When the indictments were made public earlier this month, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said his administration initiated the investigation with "an aggressive approach to root out corruption that has plagued Jersey City for decades."
Fulop said that with the prosecutor's office, "we will continue to change the culture by rooting out employees who take advantage of the public trust."
Meanwhile, Chesler was hired by the department in 1999 and is paid $143,380. Maietti was added to the city's payroll in 1994. He is paid $112,330. O'Neill also joined the force in 1994 and is paid the same salary as Maietti.
Chesler and Ascolese filed a civil suit in March 2015 against Jersey City, Public Safety Director James Shea, Police Chief Phil Zacche and other police officials who they said ignored Chesler's claims that she was sexually harassed by a member of the now disbanded motorcycle squad. Ascolese, who says his complaints about the alleged harassment were also ignored, oversaw the squad with Chesler.
The next court hearing in the matter is set for Sept. 29 before Galis-Menendez in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City.