TRENTON, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- A New Jersey state trooper pleaded guilty Tuesday to stalking a woman while on-duty, putting her in a state of fear.
Trooper Michael Patterson, 30 of Bayonne, admitted to purposely disabling a camera in his car in order to avoid his actions being caught on camera.
The incident happened in January 2020 on the New Jersey Turnpike, where Acting New Jersey Attorney General Andrew Bruck says Patterson conducted a traffic stop, but let the woman driving go with just a warning.
But minutes later, Bruck says Patterson made an “unwarranted” stop of the same vehicle as she exited the Turnpike in Woodbridge.
The AG says this is when Patterson disabled the recording device in his car and made “unwanted” advances on the woman.
Following the second stop, an investigation showed Patterson followed the woman home, putting her in a state of fear, according to the attorney general.
Patterson was ultimately charged in June 2020 and has now pleaded guilty to fourth-degree tampering with public records. He was originally also indicted on official misconduct and stalking charges.
“The conduct revealed in this investigation stands in stark contrast to the core values of the New Jersey State Police and is a betrayal to the public and to the entire law enforcement community,” says State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan.
Under a plea agreement, Patterson will be recommended for a sentence of 12 months in prison without possibility of parole, must forfeit his position as a state trooper and will be permanently disallowed from public employment.
Patterson’s sentencing will come on October 18.
Patterson had previously made the news when a retired officer he had pulled over was actually the man who helped deliver him.