Freehold Man Charged With Impersonating Officer, Robbery

FREEHOLD, NJ – A borough man has been arrested and charged in connection with two separate incidents, including impersonating a police officer, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced.

Anthony Burke, 46, was charged with one count of both fourth-degree impersonating an officer and second-degree robbery. Burke was also charged with four counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, the prosecutor's office said on Monday.

Burke's arrest Wednesday involved an incident that took place in Freehold Township on Sunday, Sept. 17, in which Burke attempted to impersonate a law enforcement officer by pulling over a driver, authorities said. Before leaving, Burke stole the victim’s cell phone, according to the prosecutor's office.

Burke was arrested on Wednesday evening during a traffic stop in Freehold Borough, authorities said.

Anyone with information about Burke’s activities in Freehold or the surrounding areas is urged to contact Monmouth County Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Township Police Officer Charles Lasky at 732-462-7500.

Crimes of this nature can be punishable by up to 10 years in state prison, according to the prosecutor's office.

The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan of the Special Victims Bureau. Burke’s legal representation was not immediately available.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android), or by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website.