Crime & Safety

Suspended Cranford Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Harassment

The veteran officer pleaded guilty to harassing a woman while on duty.


A 12-year veteran Cranford Police Officer pleaded guilty to harassing a woman while he was on duty two years ago, officials said.

Brian Thomas, 38, of Linden was suspended following the June 22, 2011 incident when he was charged in August of that year with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and second-degree official misconduct, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s office at that time.

He was suspended without pay following his arrest, Patch previously reported.

Charles J. Sciarra of Sciarra & Catrambone, LLC, the Clifton-based law firm representing Thomas, said that the victim is a life long acquaintance of Thomas.

On Wednesday, Thomas pleaded guilty to the harassment charge before Superior Court Judge Robert Mega under a plea agreement with the prosecutor's office, NJ.com reported.

Part of the agreement stats that Thomas can never hold a public sector job again, according to Union County Prosecturor Theodore Romankow.

Thomas was also placed on two years probation after admittedly having inappropriate communications with a woman, according to NJ.com.

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