NJ Police Chief Helped Shoplifter While Suspended For Improper Database Use: Prosecutors

A New Jersey town's police chief was accused of improperly using law enforcement databases and helping someone shoplift, authorities said.

Englishtown (NJ) Police Chief Peter Cooke Jr.
Photo Credit: *Facebook - Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office*

Chris Spiker

11/13/2024 8:58 a.m.

Chief Peter Cooke Jr., 58, the chief in Englishtown, was charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Investigators said Chief Cooke used a law enforcement database to look up information about two people without "any legitimate law enforcement purpose." The searches happened multiple times between February 2019 and August 2023.

Chief Cooke was placed on administrative leave during the investigation. While on leave in August and September, Chief Cooke helped someone shoplift from a grocery store.

According to GovSalaries.com, Chief Cooke's annual salary was $128,540 in 2023. Cooke was given his charges earlier in November by a summons.

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