Cranford Police Officer Arrested, Suspended

A Cranford Police Officer was suspended without pay after he was arrested Friday and charged with fourth- degree criminal sexual contact and second-degree official misconduct, a spokesman for the Union County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

Patrolman Brian Thomas, 37, was arrested following an investigation by the Cranford Police Department's Professional Standards Unit.  According to Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow, Thomas turned himself into authorities on Friday. He was released from Union County Jail on Saturday, after posting bail, which was set at $150,000.

A press release from the Prosecutor's Office states that Thomas is accused of assaulting a woman while on duty and in uniform on June 22.

In a press release from the Union County Prosecutor's Office, Cranford Police Chief Eric Mason said Thomas, who's been on the Cranford force for 12 of his 16 years in law enforcement, was suspended without pay following his arrest.

"The arrest of Officer Brian Thomas on Friday, Aug. 19 is not indicative of the consistently dedicated service and integrity of the men and women of the Cranford Police Department," Police Chief Eric Mason said in a prepared statement Monday. "The principles of supervisory control and accountability, personal integrity and a system of checks and balances ensures that when officers do not adhere to departmental regulations or statutory requirements in carrying out their duties, violations are detected, investigated and prosecuted. The case against Officer Thomas illustrates our commitment to the police profession and the entire community.

Mason said the case was the result of an internal investigation where the Cranford Police Department's own supervisors and officers "did not hesitate to report alleged misconduct."

"This resulted in an immediate inquiry by our Professional Standards Unit and the subsequent referral of the case to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office," the police chief added.

Charles J. Sciarra of Sciarra & Catrambone, LLC, the Clifton-based lawfirm representing Thomas, said the charges come two months after the alleged incident actually occured.

"Before everyone leaps to judgment regarding the accusations against Brian Thomas, let’s all take a deep breath and exhale twice," Sciarra said Monday. "Primarily, the charges come two months after the alleged incident. Either the prosecutor has serious reservations or the supposed victim didn’t get around to reporting this alleged activity for over eight weeks. Either scenario gives serious pause."

Sciarra went on to say that the alleged vistim Further, the alleged victim is not a random civilian "but rather a life long acquaintance of Officer Thomas with, we understand, some issues with the criminal justice system pending during the suggested times in question."

"It goes without saying that these charges are denied and will be defended vigorously,” Sciarra added.

Mason said that Thomas will remain suspended without pay "pending the outcome of the criminal charges."

Mayor Dan Aschenbach echoed the police chief's sentiments, stating that this alleged incident does not reflect the conduct of the rest of the Cranford Police Department.

"This is sad," Aschenbach said. "Citizens should know this was the action of one individual. The Cranford Police Department serves the public in a professional way and is important part of our public safety effort."

A clerk with the Union County Courts system said a decision should be be made tomorrow on when Thomas would make his first court appearance in the case.