Major discipline · 2024[1]
Separated while IA pending- Rank as reported
- FMR. Chief
- Sustained charge(s)
- three counts of 3:1.1 Standards of Conduct, three counts of 3:2.2 Unlawful Orders, three counts of 3:7.16 Prohibited Activity on Duty, and four counts of 3:13.5 Truthfulness.
- Separated while IA pending
- Yes
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Former Berkeley Heights Police Chief Jason Massimino was investigated by the Union County Prosecutor's Office, which produced multiple sustained findings. The investigation found that Massimino spread false stories to defame the qualifications of others, encouraged an employee to assault another employee, obtained a Master's Degree through coercion, deception, and plagiarism by having department personnel complete assignments for him, and used police personnel for personal business on duty at department expense. Massimino resigned on May 10, 2024, before any disciplinary action was taken.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
Former Berkeley Heights Police Chief Jason Massimino was investigated by the Union County Prosecutor's Office, which resulted in multiple sustained findings related to his demeanor and various rule violations. The investigation revealed that he spread false stories to defame the qualifications of others, adversely affecting both the Berkeley Heights Police Department (BHPD) and personnel from the Union County Prosecutor's Office (UCPO), with the intent to damage their reputations, specifically regarding their roles as instructors at the police academy. Additionally, he encouraged and promoted acts of violence, including encouraging an employee to assault another employee. Additionally, he obtained a Master's Degree through coercion, deception, and plagiarism, having BHPD personnel complete papers and assignments on his behalf. Furthermore, he improperly used police personnel to conduct personal business by assigning them to work during their duty hours and altering their schedules to assist him with his ventures, compensating them with BHPD funds for their assistance. The specific rules and regulations violated included three counts of 3:1.1 Standards of Conduct, three counts of 3:2.2 Unlawful Orders, three counts of 3:7.16 Prohibited Activity on Duty, and four counts of 3:13.5 Truthfulness. Former Chief Massimino resigned on May 10, 2024, before any disciplinary action was taken.