Crime & Safety
Veteran Cop Fired After Entering PTI Program for Theft Charge
The 24-year West Orange Police Department veteran was accused of falsifying nearly $3,000 in overtime.
A West Orange police lieutenant, who was accused of theft, entered pre-trial intervention Friday and was fired from the police force Tuesday, Chief James Abbott said.
The 24-year cop, Richard Levens, 45, was accused of falsifying nearly $3,000 in overtime over the course of four months in late May.
He appeared in court Friday, and according to Abbott, he entered pre-trail intervention.
"We didn't get formal notification from the prosecutor's office until Tuesday, the first business day back after the holiday," Abbott said.
He explained, when a person enters pre-trial intervention, the individual can never hold any elected or appointed public position, paid or unpaid.
Levens was suspended without pay when the complaint was signed on May 22.
Abbott added, "There is no admission of guilt, that is why the statute is in the agreement."
Levens will serve a two-year probation for first time offenders to reduce their charges, and if completed will erase his criminal record.
The alleged theft, a third-degree crime, is believed to have taken place from Nov. 28, 2012 to March 19, 2013.
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