Police officers admit vandalizing cars of man who filed complaint against them, prosecutor says

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Two New Jersey police officers vandalized two cars owned by a man who filed an internal affairs complaint against them.

Asbury Park Police Officer Stephen Martinsen, 31, and former special law enforcement officer Thomas Dowling 27, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal mischief after admitting to wearing disguises and riding bicycles to a Jeep Liberty and Toyota Prius before slashing their tires and smashing their windows causing more than $500 damage, prosecutors said.

“Spiteful retaliation from law enforcement officers towards a citizen for any reason is an unacceptable option,”  Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement. “This is in no way condoned at any level, for any reason. All members of the law enforcement community must maintain the public’s trust by conducting themselves at the highest level of integrity and decency.”

Ernest G. Mignoli, a critic of the police force, had filed a complaint against the officers just days before the Sept. 3 incident.

“I just wouldn’t think it would be in the scope of police officers to do something like that,” he told NJ.com when the officers were charged. “I’m a concerned citizen, outspoken critic of Asbury Park Police Department. But this goes (beyond) the pale.”

As part of their plea deal they are prohibited from public employment in the state, prosecutors said. Martinsen, who has been an officer since 2013, was suspended without pay since he was first charged in the incident in December. Dowling was fired.

“These officers were held accountable for their actions and misconduct and we will continue to hold our officers responsible to build upon the trust of the community that we serve,” Asbury Park Police Chief David Kelso said in a statement.

Cox Media Group