PLAINFIELD — A former Plainfield police sergeant was
convicted Wednesday of forcing a woman to undress for him while he masturbated
by threatening to put her in jail.
A Union County jury found Samuel Woody, 43, a 12-year veteran of the
Plainfield Police Division, guilty of second-degree official misconduct and
fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 3. He will not
be allowed to hold a public job in the state.
Woody was accused of arresting a 27-year-old city resident on bogus theft
and burglary charges in July 2011. After she was released, Woody reportedly
asked her to meet with him on a lot on Madison Avenue, where he coerced her
into undressing while he masturbated in full uniform, Union County Assistant
Prosecutor Jim Tansey said. Authorities said Woody had threatening to put her
in prison for five years.
Woody was arrested in January 2012 and suspended without pay.
The theft and burglary charges against the victim were dismissed.
“The conduct of this officer was not only criminal but brazenly flagrant in
the manner in which it violated the public’s trust,” Union County Prosecutor
Grace H. Park said Thursday in a news release.
Staff Writer Sergio Bichao: 908-243-6615; sbichao@njpressmedia.com