Paterson police officer admits involvement in illegal stops, shakedowns

Another member of the Paterson police force has admitted stealing money during illegal traffic stops and shakedowns and then falsifying reports.

News 12 Staff

May 13, 2019, 8:07 PM

Updated 1,823 days ago

Share:

Another member of the Paterson police force has admitted stealing money during illegal traffic stops and shakedowns and then falsifying reports.
Paterson Police Officer Matthew Torres faces up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty Monday to conspiracy to violate individuals' civil rights and filing a false police report.
Authorities say Torres, 30, and other officers illegally stopped individuals and vehicles in Paterson and stole money from the people they stopped. They say the officers sometimes used fake paperwork to trick individuals into believing that the cash seizures and vehicle stops represented legitimate law enforcement encounters.
Torres is the second officer to admit being part of the shakedowns, while two others are also charged. Two other Paterson officers have admitted to other crimes.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
2:06
On-and-off showers and temps in the 50s today for New Jersey

On-and-off showers and temps in the 50s today for New Jersey

1:45
Netflix studio project in Bayonne gets eligibility for expanded tax credits

Netflix studio project in Bayonne gets eligibility for expanded tax credits

0:27
13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

0:22
Wildwood implements metered parking right before weekend Trump rally

Wildwood implements metered parking right before weekend Trump rally

0:28
Veteran Broadway stage manager fatally struck by NJ Transit train

Veteran Broadway stage manager fatally struck by NJ Transit train

1:23
Main Street NJ: Showcasing Hillsborough, ‘the best place to live in New Jersey’

Main Street NJ: Showcasing Hillsborough, ‘the best place to live in New Jersey’

0:46
Video shows suspect stealing 'Leggio for Mayor' political sign from Howell Township property

Video shows suspect stealing 'Leggio for Mayor' political sign from Howell Township property

0:33
New Jersey man opens fortune cookie with 'believe in miracles' message, wins $1 million lottery prize

New Jersey man opens fortune cookie with 'believe in miracles' message, wins $1 million lottery prize

2:08
Port Authority sees cargo increase at local ports following Baltimore Bridge collapse

Port Authority sees cargo increase at local ports following Baltimore Bridge collapse

2:05
Paws & Pals: 3-year-old German Shephard mix now available for adoption

Paws & Pals: 3-year-old German Shephard mix now available for adoption

0:19
Prosecutors: Hidden camera found in office bathroom of NJ chiropractor

Prosecutors: Hidden camera found in office bathroom of NJ chiropractor

0:20
Authorities: 1 person killed in Route 27 crash in Franklin Township

Authorities: 1 person killed in Route 27 crash in Franklin Township

0:22
Planet Fitness raising membership fee for first time in 26 years

Planet Fitness raising membership fee for first time in 26 years

Strong solar storm could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in US

Strong solar storm could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in US

1:34
The Real Deal: The best deals for mom this Mother’s Day

The Real Deal: The best deals for mom this Mother’s Day

Is your mom awesome? New Jersey tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New Jersey tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:17
Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

1:44
Resources to find food banks and food programs in the tri-state area

Resources to find food banks and food programs in the tri-state area

0:42
Dover councilman called to step down following harassment allegations

Dover councilman called to step down following harassment allegations

2:07
KIYC: Does the Open Public Record Act Reform Bill damage democracy?

KIYC: Does the Open Public Record Act Reform Bill damage democracy?