TRENTON, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that former Howell Township Police Chief Andrew Kudrick, 49, is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying and threatening a high-ranking officer in an effort to cover up a sexual affair with a subordinate. Kudrick, who retired from his position following the allegations, has been charged with official misconduct, false swearing, tampering with public records, witness retaliation, and obstructing the administration of law.
The charges stem from an investigation launched by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) following suspicions that arose during a 2021 retirement party.
The party led to a confrontation between Kudrick’s wife and the suspected mistress, prompting the township to hire special labor counsel to conduct an internal investigation into potential sexual harassment within the police department.
During the investigation, it was alleged that Kudrick threatened a captain who had knowledge and evidence of the affair in order to intimidate him against being truthful in the special labor investigator’s probe. Kudrick also allegedly lied during an official interview, denying any sexual comments or intimate relationship with the subordinate.
However, evidence revealed that an affair took place, violating the Township’s Policy Against Fraternization, which prohibits romantic relationships with subordinates, the Attorney General’s Office contends.