TRENTON, NJ – Kevin T. Matthew, a 47-year-old lieutenant from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO), faces multiple criminal charges, including official misconduct and tampering with physical evidence.
The charges, announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), stem from Matthew’s alleged unauthorized removal of narcotics evidence and subsequent tampering.
The OPIA’s Corruption Bureau investigation revealed that Matthew, from Cedar Grove, New Jersey, had been removing narcotics from the BCPO’s main evidence vault in Paramus without lawful authorization. The evidence, which included substances testing positive for cocaine and fentanyl, was allegedly returned in altered conditions. Furthermore, razor blades with cocaine residue were found in Matthew’s office.
The lieutenant’s actions reportedly compromised the integrity of the evidence chain of custody. Additionally, an analysis of his bank records suggested he structured cash deposits to avoid federal transaction reporting requirements.
The charges against Matthew, who has been on leave since November 3, include possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and structuring financial transactions.