NJ Cop Stopped, Improperly Searched Vehicles: FBI

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Paterson police officer was arrested and charged with violating people's civil rights after he stopped and searched motor vehicles and stole money from them, authorities allege.

Federal agents arrested Matthew Torres, 30, of Paterson, Wednesday morning and was charged with conspiring to deprive individuals of civil rights under color of law, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. The arrest came following an investigation by the FBI, with help from the Passaic County Proecutor's Office, the Paterson Police Department, and its Office of Internal Affairs.

In addition to stopping the vehicles and stealing money from people, Torres and other Paterson police officers filed fake paperwork to trick people into thinking the stealing and vehicle stops were necessary, Carpenito said.

In one instance, Torres and Officer Eudy Ramos stopped a vehicle and allegedly stole money from the passenger, Carpenito said. The passenger had two bags of marijuana and $3,100 on him. Ramos told him that he could take money from the passenger, have him sign a piece of paper, and then give that paper to the narcotics division.

According to the passenger, $1,000 was missing from the $3,100, which Ramos and Torres stole and shared, Carpenito said. They didn't report the money they stole.

Torres faces 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted of the charge filed against him.

Torres is the fifth Paterson officer arrested in connection with an FBI probe of the city's police department, NorthJersey.com reported.

Torres is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court Wednesday morning.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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