Jackson cop accused of hindering murder investigation

A Jackson police officer was arrested at department headquarters Thursday afternoon on an accusation that he gave detectives false, deceptive and misleading information in the investigation of a murder, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

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Officer Eric Prosniewski, 45, of Bluebell Drive in Jackson, was charged with two counts of hindering apprehension, according to a release from the prosecutor's office. His bail was set at $100,000 with no 10 percent option.

Prosniewski is alleged to have been friends with Daniele Romeodisantillo, one of two men accused of killing Peyman Sanandaji, the release said.

Sanandaji, 34, was found dead inside Casanova Ristorante on South New Prospect Road on April 9. Hector Calderon, 47, was also arrested in connection to the killing.

The charges against Prosniewski stem from his off-duty activities and are not believed to be related to his position as a police officer, the release said.

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"This is an isolated incident and it really doesn't reflect the agency as a whole and our commitment to the community," Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew D. Kunz said.

Mayor Michael Reina didn't return requests for comment.

Kunz said Prosniewski was suspended from duty without pay.

Kunz said his department was Prosniewski's only law enforcement employer. Prosniewski has been with the department for about 12 years. His base salary was $112,634, according to DataUniverse. He joined the state pension system in 2003.

Kunz declined to comment on the officer's disciplinary record.

Kunz said Prosniewski was assigned to headquarters, doing things like handling telephone or walk-in reports, or assisting with evidence and property.

"He was an average employee," Kunz said.

After the criminal charges are resolved, Prosniewski will face an internal discipline process.

Kunz said his department will work with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office to get information to support the process.

"I think it's just important for the community to recognize that this alleged off-duty conduct by one member of the agency absolutely is not a reflection of the police department as a whole," Kunz said. "It's important that the police department continues to maintain the trust of the community, so that we can continue to serve them effectively."

Andrew Ford: 732-643-4281; aford3@gannettnj.com