A borough police officer charged with battery of another officer in Florida last year was sentenced to one year probation earlier this month.
Ptl. Allen Kenneth Moore Jr., 43, pleaded no contest to simple battery, a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, according to a Polk County, Fla., court official.
Moore was charged in November 2012 after an alleged altercation with another Penns Grove police officer in a Winter Haven, Fla., hotel room. Moore allegedly beat the other officer in the face with a lamp, according to police.
The victim of the attack was identified by police as Penns Grove Police Sgt. Patrick Riley.
According to authorities, Riley was in Polk County to testify at a court hearing on a juvenile matter — a trip reportedly paid by the state of Florida — and, on Nov.13, he met up with Moore who was in Florida for a vacation.
Police said the two went to a local bar where Moore allegedly became “extremely intoxicated,” and the two returned to the hotel where Riley was staying.
At the hotel, Riley reportedly told Moore that he was in no shape to drive, and that Moore could stay until morning. An altercation occurred and Moore allegedly attacked Riley, hitting him numerous times with a “lamp that weighed just shy of seven pounds,” police said.
When police arrived at the scene, they said they found Riley on a bench outside, bleeding from numerous injuries to his head. He was taken to Winter Haven Hospital for treatment and was later released, authorities said.
Polk County Court officials said that Moore pleaded no contest to the lesser charge of simple battery, a first-degree misdemeanor, earlier this month. He was sentenced to 12 months' probation to be served in New Jersey, officials said.
Moore was suspended without pay from the police department earlier this year and the suspension is still in effect, borough solicitor Adam Telsey said. Moore was paid $81,808 per year prior to his suspension, according to state employment records.
Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan said that his office conducted an internal affairs review following the sentencing, and the completed review has been sent to Penns Grove. Telsey said Moore’s status with the department is currently under review but could not provide further comment.