NJ police chief accused of defecating in office, spiking drinks; lawyers detail 'disturbing' claims

NEW JERSEY - Lawyers laid out what they called "disturbing" details after a police chief in Hudson County, New Jersey, faced a series of harassment allegations, including claims that he defecated in the workplace and exposed himself to officers.

"I know some of this sounds a little weird, guys, and it’s not easy to relay because it’s so bizarre," Patrick Toscano, the officer's lawyer, said on Thursday.

Lawyers call allegations ‘absolutely disgusting’

They called the allegations "absolutely disgusting," saying they hadn’t seen anything like it in 40 years.

The long list of allegations against North Bergen Police Chief Robert Farley includes attempting to drug coworkers, sticking a hypodermic needle into an officer’s genitals and spiking their coffee with Viagra. Five police officers reportedly plan to sue the chief for sexual misconduct and harassment, according to multiple reports.

Patrick Toscano, a lawyer for the five officers in the case, called the allegations bizarre, adding that "some of them [were] absolutely disgusting."
 

In one alleged instance, officers claim Chief Farley spiked the office coffee pot with Viagra and Adderall and sent sex toys to an officer’s home. Lesser allegations include putting ink on door handles and setting off car alarms.

What they're saying:

A township spokesperson said in a statement to Patch.com: "The Township of North Bergen has full confidence in Chief Robert Farley's leadership of the North Bergen Police Department and we strongly deny these false and outrageous allegations made by disgruntled officers who are resorting to attacking the reputation of a dedicated public servant to further their own selfish goals."

Who is Chief Robert Farley?

According to the town’s website, Farley is a lifelong North Bergen resident, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, both of whom rose to the rank of Deputy Chief.

He was appointed chief on Feb. 1 of last year, vowing to provide efficient and professional services with a focus on public safety.

What is the chief accused of? 

Chief Robert Farley is being accused of what lawyers called bizarre amid absolutely disgusting. 

Among the allegations are: 

• Spiking coffee with Viagra and Adderall
• Defecating in the office
• Sending masturbation cream and pride flags to officers' homes
• Stabbing officer with hypodermic needle
• Shaving arms and legs on officers' desks

Officers accuse chief of stabbing him with hypodermic needle

Dig deeper:

The five officers have accused Farley of harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, and retaliation. Officers describe a work environment marked by Farley's fits of rage.

One former special captain claims Farley pinned him in a corner and stabbed a hypodermic needle through his jeans into the tip of his penis. Another officer alleges Farley spiked the office coffee pot with Viagra and Adderall, waiting to see who would drink it. He also allegedly left feces on the bathroom floor.

Other officers at the police department have accused Farley of spreading false claims about them, moving them to undesirable shifts due to their association with a department whistle-blower, wrongful termination after reporting corruption, defamation and slander.

Farley is also accused of sending masturbation cream and Pride flags to officers’ homes.

When an officer tried reporting him to the New Jersey Attorney General, Farley and other managers retaliated, according to court documents obtained by NJ.com.

Lawyers said Farley’s behavior escalated over time. Officers who spoke up were allegedly dismissed with, "What, you can’t take a joke?"

All five of the officers expressed fear of retaliation and said they were afraid of being targeted by Farley. 

The other side:

Township officials in North Bergen issued a statement Thursday responding to the allegations, emphasizing that the matter has been referred to the appropriate authorities and no wrongdoing has been established.

"As per state law, North Bergen referred these allegations to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for review as soon as we became aware of them, and we understand that they were subsequently sent to the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office," the township said. "The township will respect the outcome of that investigation, and at this point none of these allegations have been proven to be true."

Farley, who took office last year, implemented reforms aimed at reducing police overtime expenditures and creating a more equitable process for assigning extra duty details among officers, according to the township. Officials said those reforms have resulted in an estimated $1 million in annual savings. The changes also reportedly reduced compensation for several officers.

"It’s highly suspicious that these allegations have only come to light after Chief Farley instituted these reforms, which were designed to protect North Bergen taxpayers and ensure that all officers have access to extra duty assignments," the township said.

Officials urged the public and media to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing.

"It will be up to the State Attorney General’s Office to determine if any of these allegations are truthful, and we would urge all parties not to rush to judgment or engage in sensationalistic news coverage without definitive evidence," the statement concluded.

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