UPDATE: Edison cop destroyed cell phone of officer at center of probe, investigators allege

An Edison officer is accused of destroying evidence earlier this year before authorities could use it against him in a pending investigation.

Nicholas R. Lunetta, 31, of Scotch Plains, was arrested and charged Thursday with tampering with evidence and obstructing the administration of law, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said in a release.

It was unclear if the probe by the prosecutor’s office charges against Lunetta is connected to a specific ongoing investigation. Officers on the Edison Police Department are currently facing allegations of no-show off-duty jobs, illegal steroid use and improperly running license plates.

The multi-pronged criminal investigation into the department, which is well-known for its public scandals, was sparked by the arrest of officer Paul Pappas, 44, on March 19 in a tire-slashing incident.

News broke of his arrest the next day.

The charges allege Lunetta changed and destroyed evidence from March 20 to 23 before authorities could use it in an official proceeding or investigation, Carey said in the release.

Five officers — Pappas, Sgt. Ioannis “John” Mpletsakis, 38, of Edison; officer James Panagoulakos, 32, of Edison; officer Gregory Makras, 33, of Cranford; and Sgt. Brian Rossmeyer, 41, of Bedminster — have been indicted on charges of official misconduct in the off-duty job scandal.

Pappas is also facing a series of misconduct charges in an indictment that stemmed from the alleged slashing of his ex-girlfriend’s tire.

The county agency did not return calls for comment. It was unclear if Lunetta, who could not be immediately reached, had obtained an attorney.

Lunetta turned himself in Thursday and has been suspended without pay, according to the release.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at 732-372-2078 or at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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