Former Ridgewood Police Union Leader Receives 2 Years Probation

A Super Court judge sentenced a former Ridgewood police union leader to two years probation June 25.

Former Det. Sgt. William Hemmer previously pled guilty to third degree theft through deception charges in May. On Friday Judge Eugene H. Austin sentenced Hemmer to probation, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

The probation ruling followed two actions on Hemmer's part: resigning from his position within the Ridgewood Police Department and full restitution of stolen union dues—totaling $116,000—county prosecutor spokesperson Maureen Parenta said Monday.

In an internal audit, the Police Benevolent Association discovered union dues missing. Hemmer, then the union leader, was suspected, and later pled guilty to charges stemming from the missing funds, which he said he diverted to his personal account. Police officials said no public money was taken.  

The 17-year Ridgewood officer and Sussex resident was suspended with pay last October, and pay was stopped in December. 

Compiled by Sam Fran Scavuzzo