Major discipline · 2022[1]
Terminated- Rank as reported
- Patrolman
- Sustained charge(s)
- Theft by Unlawful Taking
- Separated while IA pending
- not applicable (collected 2023 and later)
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Patrolman Austin Craig was terminated by the Lower Township Police Department in 2022. On October 26, 2021, Craig was charged with theft by unlawful taking of movable property, specifically a bicycle valued at $400.00, a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2b(3). The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office investigated, and Craig entered a Pretrial Intervention program with conditions that included 6 months of supervision, random drug screens, lifetime forfeiture of Cape May County public employment, and acceptance of termination from the department. A $125.00 financial obligation was imposed.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
On 10-26-21 PTL Austin Craig was charged with theft by the unlawful taking of moveable property, specifically a bicycle valued at $400.00. This being a crime of the fourth degree. In violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2b(3). The theft allegedly occurred on 10-8-21, at approximately 2220 hours. The Cape May County Prosecutors Office investigated the criminality alleged in this case. On Tuesday, March 29, 2022 we received a Pretrial Intervention Order of Postponement executed by all parties on March 28, 2022, including JSC, Christine Smith for theft by unlawful taking, 4th degree. As part of the special conditions of PTI Supervision, the following was agreed to: 6 month PTI Supervision, Random Drug Screens, forfeiture of all Cape May County Public Employment for life, and acceptance of termination from the Lower Township Police Department. $125.00 was also imposed as a financial obligation.