Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department said that an Edison police officer was arrested and charged today with tampering with evidence and the obstruction of a criminal investigation.
According to authorities, Nicholas R. Lunetta, 31, an Edison Police Officer from Scotch Plains, has been charged with one count of tampering with evidence and one count of obstructing the administration of law – a criminal investigation, both fourth degree crimes.
The investigation by the Edison Police Department determined that Officer Nicholas Lunetta, from March 20 to March 23, 2018, tampered with and destroyed evidence that he believed would be included in a pending official proceeding or investigation.
Officials say Lunetta turned himself into authorities at the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office today. He was charged on a summons and released pending his initial court appearance on January 3, 2019. He is currently suspended from the Edison Police Department without pay, as a result of the criminal charges brought against him.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Captain Kenneth M. Schreck of the Edison Police Department at (732) 248-7400, or Detective Joseph Chesseri of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732)745- 4335.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Lunetta are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.