The Crimes
A former Mount Laurel police officer has been sentenced to five years in state prison after admitting to a disturbing pattern of cybercrimes involving the unauthorized access of women’s social media accounts and the distribution of their private images. The case has sent shockwaves through Burlington County and raised serious questions about digital privacy, abuse of power, and law enforcement accountability.
According to prosecutors, the officer—whose name has not been released in the latest NJ.com summary—used his position and technical knowledge to hack into multiple women’s social media accounts, including platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Once inside, he downloaded private photos and videos, some of which were intimate in nature, and shared them without consent.
The investigation revealed that the officer targeted women he knew personally, including former romantic partners and acquaintances. In some cases, he used fake accounts and anonymous messaging apps to distribute the images, causing emotional distress and reputational harm to the victims.
The Investigation and Arrest
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from victims who noticed their private content circulating online. Digital forensics experts traced the activity back to the officer, who was placed on administrative leave and later resigned from the Mount Laurel Police Department.
Authorities described the case as a “gross violation of trust”, noting that the officer’s actions not only broke the law but also undermined the integrity of the police force.
“This was a calculated and malicious abuse of power,” said Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw. “No one should fear that their private life will be weaponized by someone sworn to protect them.”
Sentencing and Aftermath
The officer pleaded guilty to multiple counts of computer theft, invasion of privacy, and official misconduct. He was sentenced to five years in state prison, with no possibility of parole for the first three years. The judge also ordered him to register as a sex offender and refrain from any future employment in law enforcement or public service.
Victims were present at the sentencing and gave emotional statements about the impact of the crimes. One woman described feeling “violated and humiliated,” while another said she had to leave her job and relocate due to the fallout.
Community Reaction
The case has sparked outrage in Mount Laurel and surrounding towns along Interstate 295, where residents are demanding stronger safeguards against digital abuse and more transparency in police disciplinary actions.
Local advocacy groups are calling for mandatory cyber ethics training for law enforcement officers and better support systems for victims of digital crimes.
“This is a wake-up call,” said Angela Rivera, director of the South Jersey Digital Rights Coalition. “We need to treat cybercrimes with the same seriousness as physical crimes—especially when committed by those in power.”
