Major discipline · 2025[1]
TerminatedSuspended 331 days- Rank as reported
- Sergeant
- Sustained charge(s)
- N.J.A.C. 4a 2-2.3 (6) a Public Employee / N.J.A.C. 4a 2-2.3 (12)
- Separated while IA pending
- No
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Sgt. Vinales was arrested by the FBI on January 17, 2024, and placed on indefinite suspension, according to the Passaic County Sheriffs Office. On May 19, 2025, he pled guilty to the federal charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice and was removed from the agency as of that date. The record shows both a 331-day suspension and termination for conduct unbecoming a public employee.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
On January 17, 2024, Sgt. Vinales was arrested by the FBI and charged with Criminal Complaint Mag. No. 24-1000. He was served on January 29, 2024, with a Preliminary Notice of Disciplinary Action (31-A), and an Indefinite suspension as of January 17, 2024. On May 19, 2025, Sgt. Vinales pled guilty to the federal charge of Conspiracy to Obstruct Justice. As a result, on June 15, 2025, Sgt. Vinales was served with a Final Notice of Disciplinary Action (31-C), removing him from our agency as of May 19, 2025.