A New Jersey woman was mistakenly singled out as a secret informer by a police chief who left a voicemail on an incorrect number, a lawsuit claims.
Former Quest Grove Police Chief Patrick Riley Sean left a message believing he believed the woman was in June 2020, she claims in a complaint filed Friday in New Jersey federal court.
“Actually, the message left by [Riley] Was on the voicemail of a person associated with gang members and / or other persons involved in criminal enterprises and published to others in the community involved with gang activity or other criminal enterprises, ”the suit says.
Riley first reached out to the Grove woman – identified as “AS” due to security concerns – in hopes of cooperating as a confidential informant “in connection with the police investigation”.
The wrong message and Riley’s “misrepresentation” that the woman was actually cooperating with the police – when she was not really – allegedly “increased the risk of harm and extreme danger”, including the risk of death Was.
As a result, the woman had to relocate due to her “increased risk of harm” and her “severely compromised” safety in the community, the lawsuit states.
The woman is seeking unspecified damages for “severe and extreme emotional distress” as well as her tarnished reputation in the community.
The lawsuit has been named Borough of Rescue Grove and Defendants of the Rescue Grove Police Department, along with several unnamed police officers and Borough employees.
54-year-old Riley refused to comment on the allegations Arrived at NJ.com on Tuesday. The website reported that Boro’s attorney Robert Tower said he could not comment on the pending litigation.
Riley was suspended for his actions in connection with the incident, but otherwise did not face any discipline, NJ.com reported.
The former chief reportedly retired on December 31, taking home more than $ 27,000 in unused sick time and $ 27,000 in vacation pay. According to state data cited by NJ.com, Riley is also receiving an annual pension of $ 56,000.
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