Mercer Times

A state grand jury has indicted a suspended lieutenant from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Kevin T. Matthew, for allegedly tampering with drug evidence and engaging in financial crimes. The announcement was made by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).

The indictment alleges that between January 2019 and November 2023, Matthew signed out narcotics from the main evidence vault of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO) on multiple occasions. These drugs had been seized during various BCPO narcotics investigations. He is charged with removing and tampering with evidence related to nine different cases.

Attorney General Platkin stated, "The alleged misconduct by the defendant represents a stunning, tremendous disservice to the public." He emphasized that this case highlights how corruption can undermine public safety and trust.

Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA, commented on the charges: "The defendant allegedly tampered with drug evidence in case after case, all for personal benefit." Skinner stressed that no one is above the law.

Matthew was part of BCPO’s Special Victims Unit but had access to databases containing information about narcotics cases. It is alleged he used this access to sign out items of evidence without any authorized purpose related to his job duties.

According to the indictment, Matthew removed narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl from storage. These substances had previously been tested by the New Jersey State Police Laboratory for use in court proceedings. The indictment further claims that when returning these items, there were discrepancies in their composition, weight, or packaging compared to original documentation.

Financial irregularities also form part of the charges against Matthew. The investigation revealed approximately $600,000 in cash deposits into bank accounts he controlled during the period when evidence was being removed improperly from storage. These deposits were allegedly structured to avoid federal reporting requirements for transactions exceeding $10,000 daily.

Matthew faces a total of 50 counts including financial facilitation of criminal activity, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, official misconduct among others. First-degree charges could result in up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $200,000 if convicted.

Assistant Attorney General Mary Catherine Ryan and Deputy Attorney General Amy Sieminski are leading the prosecution under supervision from Corruption Bureau Co-Directors Jeff Manis and Eric Gibson along with OPIA Director Skinner.

Charges remain accusations at this stage; Kevin T. Matthew is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.