Erich A. Bennett, 47, pleaded guilty to computer theft, criminal mischief, hindering apprehension, and stalking, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
During his plea hearing, Bennett acknowledged that between October 2022 and January 2023, he engaged in conduct that would put the victim in fear. This included disabling security cameras on the exterior of her home and causing damage to her property by slashing her tires and keying her car. He further admitted to driving by her residence and threatening her with physical harm, both in person and via a fake social media account.
Additionally, Bennett stated that while he was on duty with the Sea Bright Police Department, he conducted unauthorized lookups of the victim and four of her associates in law enforcement databases.
Bennett was arrested without incident in late January 2023. He currently remains incarcerated at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
As a result of his plea, Bennett permanently forfeited the right to hold any public job in the State of New Jersey.
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