A Lawrence Township police officer who was charged with possession of child sex abuse material has been suspended without pay, pending the outcome of an investigation, Lawrence Township officials said.
Police Officer Shane Hickey, 29, was arrested Nov. 10 for allegedly possessing dozens of files of child sex abuse material on his mobile phone, said a spokesman for the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski said township officials are “disappointed and deeply concerned about the allegations and criminal charges relating to Officer Hickey.”
“While his case is pending, he is entitled to all due process rights and inferences our Constitution provides every citizen. The township is committed to fully cooperating with the investigating authority in this serious matter,” Nerwinski said.
Lawrence Township Police Chief Brian Caloiaro said the Lawrence Township Police Department is fully cooperating with the New Jersey State Police in the investigation. He declined further comment because it is an internal affairs matter within the police department.
Hickey was charged after the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children unit was tipped off. The New Jersey State Police followed up and determined that Hickey allegedly emailed himself 45 files using a cell phone. The cell phone account was later traced back to him.
A court date is pending. The third-degree charge of possession of child sex abuse material carries a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
