ASBURY PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A veteran police officer with
the Asbury Park Police Department is accused of aiding reputed gang members.
According to Monmouth County prosecutors, 45-year-old Keith German
allegedly tipped off reputed gang members to police investigative techniques,
as well as providing other assistance.
German is free on bond on charges of official misconduct and
unauthorized access of a computer database. No motive for his alleged
assistance was cited.
German’s attorney told the Asbury Park Press he will plead not
guilty.
The patrolman lives in Tinton Falls and has been on the police
force for 16 years.
Thirty-one people, including the officer, were charged in the
investigation, which targeted the Crips and Bloods street gangs.
The defendants were arrested on charges ranging from racketeering
conspiracy and promoting organized street crime to robbery, drug trafficking
and shoplifting.