In a story that broke last week in the Asbury Park Press, numerous charges could end up being dropped and convictions vacated due to possible corruption within the Camden Police Department. According to the report, it could affect as many as 50 people who have been convicted or are currently facing mostly drug charges.
Four police officers were supposedly suspended last November and since their suspension, several people that they had arrested have seen their convictions overturned and their criminal charges dropped. Those people affected state that the cops planted drug evidence and coerced them into cooperation. Officials, however, are silent.
Neither law enforcement nor the Camden County prosecutor and an Assistant U.S. Attorney will discuss the investigation or even confirm an investigation is taking place. However, defense lawyers representing the cleared suspects and the suspects themselves are talking.
It seems that in Camden, a city notorious for its crime rate, these officers may be suspected of planting drug evidence and pressuring the people they were tasked with protecting. One public defender told the AP that more than 50 of the clients she works with have been affected—some seeing their charges dropped and some, already convicted, being released from custody.
There is nothing quite as frightening as someone in a position of power abusing that power. While most police officers are hard working, good people, incidents like this one serve to do nothing more than increase the public’s mistrust of the police and increase the rift that often exists between law enforcement and the people.
When you are facing criminal charges, the last thing that should be on your mind is whether or not someone in the system is out to deprive you of your rights. Maybe no one planted evidence on you but it’s still okay to be leery of the system. When your future freedom is on the line, skepticism can serve you well.
Whether its drug charges or an assault case that you are facing, I can help. Knowing what you are up against and having someone on your side willing to fight for your rights is crucial in the satisfactory conclusion of your case. Call me today for a consultation on the charges against you.