MAYS LANDING-- A Somers Point police officer has been indicted nine criminal counts related to domestic violence and official misconduct occurring in 2015 and 2016, Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton said in a statement.

Samuel Clerico, 49, of Egg Harbor Township, is accused of using his police identification to enter an Absecon motel room occupied by a woman on Dec. 15, 2015, then of making terroristic threats against her the following day.

He was also charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and of aggravated assault for allegedly firing a gun in her direction.

Clerico was arrested that day and released after posting $2,500 bail.

Two days later, on Dec. 18, 2015, authorities say Clerico "unlawfully and knowingly harmed" a colleague, Sgt. Howard Dill. Clerico was again arrested on Dec. 18 and released.

Clerico was indicted on a second-degree charge of witness tampering in connection with that incident.

Clerico faces three more charges stemming from his alleged actions Sept. 19, when authorities say he attempted to cause serious bodily injury against his victim, aggravated assault while in a dating relationship with the victim and another charge of witness tampering. He was arrested a third time and was released after posting $10,000 bail.

Clerico is suspended without pay from the department.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

