Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the indictment of Trenton police officer Rudy Lopez, 38, from Hamilton, New Jersey, for multiple offenses, including tampering with public records and a pattern of official misconduct. The indictment also includes charges against Lopez's brother, Lisandro Rivera, 40, for allegedly conspiring to facilitate crimes financially.

According to the investigation by the Corruption Bureau of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), Lopez had been communicating with a state prison inmate who is a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) street gang. The indictment alleges that Lopez and the inmate conspired to set up an aggravated assault targeting a victim, with Lopez divulging confidential information from the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to his co-conspirator.

Attorney General Platkin stated, "As alleged, this case involves a member of law enforcement who violated his duties and participated in the commission of crimes." Thomas J. Eicher, Executive Director of OPIA, added, "We allege that the fraudulent statements on the defendant’s job application deceived the Trenton Police Department into allowing someone who was unfit to serve as a police officer onto the force."

Lopez is facing charges including tampering with public records, official misconduct, conspiracy, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and a pattern of official misconduct. Both Lopez and his brother are charged with conspiracy and financial facilitation of criminal activity.

The defense counsel for Rudy Lopez is John Furlong, Esq., from Furlong and Krasny in West Trenton, New Jersey. No defense counsel has been listed for Lisandro Rivera at this time.

The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.