Trenton Cop, Ex-Street Gang Member Charged for Lying on Job Application

Trenton Cop, Ex-Street Gang Member Charged for Lying on Job Application
Bridge in Trenton New Jersey seen at sunrise

TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced the indictment of Trenton police officer Rudy Lopez, 38, of Hamilton, New Jersey, following allegations of misconduct and criminal activity. The state grand jury has issued an 11-count indictment against Lopez, including charges related to tampering with public records and a pattern of official misconduct.

The investigation, conducted by the Corruption Bureau of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), revealed that since at least 2021, Lopez had improper communications with a state prison inmate associated with the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) street gang. These communications allegedly involved plans to commit aggravated assault against an individual thought to have cooperated with law enforcement.

Additionally, Lopez is accused of divulging confidential information from the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to the incarcerated gang member. He reportedly failed to report these interactions and the potential threats they posed, breaching his duties as a law enforcement officer.

Lopez is also charged with possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and managing funds derived from criminal activities, alongside his brother, Lisandro Rivera, 40, who is also implicated in conspiring to financially support criminal endeavors. Both face serious allegations that undermine public trust in law enforcement.