WEST MILFORD, N.J. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A New Jersey town councilman was charged on Thursday with inappropriately touching someone at a residence in North Jersey, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Matthew P. Conlon, 32, was charged via complaint summons with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and harassment, a disorderly persons offense, following a joint investigation by the prosecutor’s office Special Victims Unit and the West Milford Police Department.
Conlon is from West Milford, where he also serves as a town councilman.
On Feb. 4 law enforcement officials received a report that Conlon “touched the intimate part of an adult victim in an unwelcome and inappropriate manner” at a residence in West Milford, prosecutors said.
The defendant could face up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison for the criminal sexual contact charge, and up to 30 days in county jail for petty disorderly persons harassment, officials said.
“On behalf of the township, we have no statement at this time except to say that the matter will proceed pursuant to law,” Edward R. Pasternak from Dorsey & Semrau, municipal counsel for West Milford, told NJ.
Conlon previously worked as chief of staff for Republican state Rep. John V. Azzariti, Jr.
“Matt Conlon no longer works in my office. I have no further comment,” Azzariti wrote in an email to NJ.