Today, Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced criminal charges against a suspended Hillside Police Officer for allegedly attempting to warn a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“ALKQN”) that a law enforcement operation was or was about to be executed at his home.
The officer is also alleged to have used a law enforcement database to obtain information for another individual associated with the ALKQN.
Hillside Police Officer Fernando J. Noblecilla, 31, of South Plainfield, was charged on May 20, 2022, with conspiracy to commit official misconduct, hindering of the prosecution of another, computer theft, hindering one’s own prosecution and unlawful access and disclosure.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, and the NJ Department of Corrections, Special Investigations Division.
The complaint alleges that on or about April 22, 2021, Noblecilla attempted to warn a member of the ALKQN of impending discovery or apprehension, knowing that a law enforcement operation was being executed at his residence.
The complaint further alleges that on or about May 11, 2021, and September 7, 2021, Noblecilla, either directly or through an intermediary, accessed a law enforcement database, which he knew could be used only for law enforcement purposes, to procure information for an individual associated with the ALKQN.
The complaint further alleges that between the same time, Noblecilla deleted electronic communications, knowing the conduct charged or liable to be charged against him would constitute a crime of the second degree or higher.
“There is no room for police officers who break the law and betray their duty, as alleged in this case,” Acting Attorney General Platkin said.
“Officers who deviate from the sworn oath they take to protect and serve will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We expect nothing less than law enforcement officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, honesty and integrity,” OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher said.
“We have zero tolerance for officers who abuse their authority and engage in criminal activity that compromises the integrity of investigations and the safety of others.”