Franklin Township regains control of police department after county oversight
Hunterdon County prosecutors say Franklin Township can resume day-to-day police operations after hiring a new police director.
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Franklin Township has regained control of its police department after months of county oversight following its handling of a high-profile homicide case.
The department had been under investigation for the last 10 months. Prosecutors said the township hired a new police director, allowing Franklin to handle day-to-day police operations again.
“The purpose of the supersession was to ensure stability, accountability and continuity of police operations within Franklin Township,” Prosecutor Renee M. Robeson said. “With the township’s recent actions and new leadership structure in place, the conditions that necessitated county oversight have been resolved.”
The oversight followed the deaths of Lauren Semanchik and her boyfriend, Tyler Webb, a firefighter. Authorities said New Jersey State Police Lt. Ricardo Santos killed Semanchik, his ex-girlfriend, and Webb outside Semanchik’s home in Franklin Township last August.
Before the killings, Semanchik had reported Santos to local police.
Franklin Township police Sgt. Kevin Bollaro is facing charges over how he responded to the scene. Prosecutors said Bollaro is accused of driving to an ATM to withdraw money instead of going directly to the crime scene.
Prosecutors said Bollaro’s charges will be presented to a grand jury this year.
A period of monitoring will be in place to make sure the reforms adopted during the county oversight period continue under the new local authority, prosecutors said.
“The Prosecutor’s Office will continue to provide support to Franklin Township as needed to ensure a smooth transition back to local administration,” officials said in a statement.
