A police chief from a Monmouth County department is facing computer theft and shoplifting conspiracy charges stemming from an investigation into his alleged illegitimate use of a law enforcement database , Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Tuesday.  

Englishtown Police Chief Peter S. Cooke, 58, has been charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting.

An investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office/Professional Responsibility Unit revealed that on multiple dates between February of 2019 and August of 2023, Cooke used a law-enforcement database, outside of the scope of any legitimate law enforcement purpose, to look up information about two people.

The investigation further revealed that while on administrative leave, on multiple dates in August and September 2024, Cooke aided a co-conspirator in that individual’s commission of several instances of shoplifting from a local grocery store.

Cooke was served the charges against him earlier this month on a summons, pending proceedings to be heard in Monmouth County Superior Court.  

This case is being prosecuted by MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Professional Responsibility Unit. Cooke is being represented by Debbie Simon, with an office in West Orange.

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

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