A Middletown police officer has been charged with falsifying an accident report nearly a year ago after backing his police cruiser into a parked car and reporting he hit a telephone poll, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Wednesday.

The officer, Thomas E. Foster, 33, of Keyport, is charged with fourth-degree falsifying records. A first appearance in court for Foster has not yet been scheduled.

The case background …

In July of 2019, the Middletown Township Police began an investigation into the actions of Foster after the incident was red-flagged by a fellow officer, Middletown police said. Because the preliminary investigation revealed that Foster’s actions may have been criminal, the Middletown Township Police Department, in accordance with Attorney General guidelines, contacted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Further investigation revealed that on July 3, 2019, Foster was the assigned officer to a road repair project on Cedar Avenue in Middletown.  While working this job, Foster got into an accident with his patrol car. He filed a Police Vehicle Accident and Damage Report with his department, alleging that while he was reversing his vehicle out of a parking spot, he “contacted a telephone pole,” which was located near his home, a few blocks away from the road work. 

It was later discovered that Foster was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which he backed the police cruiser into a parked pickup truck on Cedar Avenue, causing damage to both vehicles.

“Dishonesty will never be tolerated within our department by any of our officers. The alleged conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our agency and we strongly condemn the officer’s actions. 

We firmly believe that trust and integrity are the cornerstones of policing and the steps taken by this agency underscore the commitment of the Middletown Police Department to hold our police officers and one another to the highest professional and ethical standards.”

Middletown Township Police Chief Craig Weber

Foster, on the Middletown force since 2014, has been suspended without pay, according to Middletown police.

If convicted of falsifying records, Foster faces up to 18 months in state prison.

Citizens may report concerns about corruption at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Corruption Tip Line at 855-7-UNJUST (855 786-5878); or email [email protected] and write “Corruption/Misconduct Tip” in the subject line.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

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