Peggy Wright

@PeggyWrightDR

MONTVILLE TWP. - Township Police Officer Kurt Geisinger has been suspended with pay after being charged Friday with driving an unmarked patrol vehicle while on-duty and under the influence of alcohol.

The suspension of the officer, 47, was announced in a joint statement issued Saturday by Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Montville Police Chief Rudy Appelmann.

Geisinger was charged with the motor vehicle offense of driving while intoxicated on Friday, after he allegedly operated an unmarked patrol car while under the influence. He also was charged with careless driving, though authorities believe he was not involved in a motor vehicle crash. He is paid at least $125,000 annually.

"The investigation at this time has not revealed any indication that the officer was involved in any motor vehicle accident," the statement said. "There is no indication that the officer had any interaction with the public while intoxicated, based on the investigation at this time. Officer Geisinger has been suspended with pay. The investigation is continuing."

The statement said that a municipal court date will be determined. The case will have to be transferred out of Montville to avoid a conflict of interest between Geisinger's job and the municipal court. The statement said no further information would be released at this time and did not indicate how Geisinger's alleged intoxication was discovered.

In September, Geisinger was among nine area law enforcement officers who were honored for their service by children at the Woodmont Elementary School in Pine Brook.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.