Crime & Safety
Englishtown Police Chief Charged In Shoplifting Conspiracy
Peter Cooke, 58, was on administrative leave and is accused of improperly using law enforcement databases, authorities said.
ENGLISHTOWN, NJ — Englishtown Police Chief Peter Cooke has been charged in connection with multiple shoplifting incidents while on administrative leave in an unrelated matter, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said.
Cooke, 58, was charged with computer theft and conspiracy to commit shoplifting. He is accused of helping someone shoplift from a local grocery store on multiple occasions throughout August and September, prosecutors said.
Cooke has been on administrative leave from his role as chief since April.
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The investigation revealed that on multiple dates between February 2019 and August 2023, Cooke used a law-enforcement database to search for information about two people outside the scope of law-enforcement purposes, authorities said.
On Nov. 1, Mayor Daniel Francisco said the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office advised the borough of their decision to charge Cooke with computer theft and conspiracy to commit shoplifting.
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According to Francisco, Englishtown played no role in the investigation or charges, as they originated from outside the borough. Cooke has since been moved from administrative leave to unpaid suspension, Francisco said.
While charges are pending, Francisco said the police department will remain under the leadership of Lt. Trevor Martinson.
"I have full confidence in Lt. Martinson and his continued leadership," Francisco said.
The charges against Cooke are currently pending proceedings to be heard in Monmouth County Superior Court, according to prosecutors.
Cooke was first promoted to chief of police in January 2019, becoming Englishtown’s first chief in 10 years, according to a report from Central Jersey News.
The borough had a chief before 2010, but the governing body eliminated the position after then-Chief John Niziolek retired, the report said.
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Editor's Note: This article has since been updated to reflect a statement from Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco.
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