FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Caitlin Mota

PHONE: (201) 577-6699

EMAIL: cmota@hcpo.org

DATE: Thursday, June 15, 2023

WEST NEW YORK POLICE CAPTAIN CHARGED WITH THEFT FROM NONPROFIT

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, a West New York Police Captain was charged by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Units following an investigation into funds reported missing by the West New York Youth Police Academy, Inc.

Erwin Moreno, 49, is charged with one count of Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, a crime of the third degree. He was served his complaint summons at the West New York Police Department and released pending his first court appearance, which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2023.

The investigation found Moreno misused over $60,000 of the organization’s funds for personal benefit between 2016 and 2023. The West New York Youth Police Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) in which Moreno served as president.

“The West New York Police Department has cooperated fully in the investigation and will continue to do so,” said Deputy Chief Santiago Cabrera. “We will continue acting to ensure that the West New York Police Department maintains the highest level of integrity and always remains committed to upholding both the law and the public trust.”

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit and the West New York Police Department Internal Affairs Unit with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).