BRIDGETON — Authorities have arrested a local police officer on narcotics-related charges, including one that alleges he intended to distribute drugs near a local school.
Robert W. Smith, 31, of the Williamstown section of Monroe Township, Gloucester County, was arrested shortly after reporting for duty Wednesday, Police Chief Mark Ott said.
Smith is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, which police identified as an illegal steroid. He is also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute, and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone. Smith is being held in the Salem County jail on $75,000 cash bail.
Ott said Smith, a four-year department member who was assigned to the patrol bureau, is suspended without pay. Smith faces dismissal from the Police Department pending the outcome of the charges, he said.
Police Capt. Michael Gaimari said authorities received information on Wednesday related to Smith’s alleged involvement with narcotics. That prompted an “expedient, but thorough, investigation” involving the department’s professional standards, patrol and criminal investigations bureau, he said.
The investigation ended with Smith’s arrest at 10 p.m. Wednesday by Police Department members and officials from the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Gaimari said.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing. There is no indication that other local police officers are involved, or that any of the alleged criminal activity involving Smith occurred while he was on duty, they said.
Ott said the Police Department would have no further comment regarding the incident.
Contact Thomas Barlas:
609-226-9197
