Major discipline · 2025[1]
Separated while IA pending- Rank as reported
- Lieutenant
- Sustained charge(s)
- Yes, , Neglect of Supervision, Violation of Dept. Dating Policy, Untruthful/Lack of Candor
- Separated while IA pending
- Yes
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Lieutenant Thomas Valente resigned from the West Milford Police Department while an internal affairs matter was pending, before a final hearing, under the terms of a settlement agreement. A 2021 internal affairs investigation determined that Valente engaged in an improper relationship with a subordinate officer that occurred while on duty and led to neglect of their assigned duties. He was determined to have lied to or misled investigators about the nature of the relationship. His termination was recommended, and he resigned before the charges could be finalized.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
Lt. Valente resigned during the pendency of the IA matter, prior to a final hearing, in accordance with the terms of a settlement agreement. 2021 IA investigation determined that he had engaged in an improper relationship with subordinate P.O., relationship occurred while on duty, neglecting their assigned duties. During the course of the IA Investigation, Lt. Valente was determined to have lied to or misled the investigators about the nature of his relationship with the subordinate P.O. and the details regarding their relationship. As a result of the charges, including but not limited to, being untruthful and/or lying to IA investigators, his termination from employment was recommended. He resigned from the Dept. before charges could be finalized.