Newark cop and ex-cop busted in data theft scheme

Newark Police captain Anthony Buono, (left) and former Newark police officer Dino D'Elia, (right) have been indicted for their alleged roles in a data theft scheme. (Essex County Prosecutor's Office)

(Courtesy of Essex County Prosecutor's Office)

NEWARK - A city police captain and a former city officer were indicted Monday for their alleged roles in a data theft scheme, authorities said.

A grand jury found sufficient evidence against Capt. Anthony Buono, 60, and ex-officer Dino D'Elia, 49, to hand up a true bill on charges of official misconduct, conspiracy and computer theft, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said in a statement.

Both men were initially charged in June, after authorities alleged they skimmed names, addresses and other information on about 900 people from a private database used by police to investigate insurance fraud, and sold it to third parties for $100 each.

Buono initially used his status as a captain to gain access to the database, and then allowed D'Elia to use it as part of his private investigation business, according to prosecutors.

The indictment announced Monday alleges that the two participated in the scheme between August 2012 and the date they were charged.

Buono, of Millstone, and D'Elia, of Nutley, could face a mandatory five years behind bars if convicted under the state's official misconduct statute. The conspiracy and computer theft counts also carry between 5 to 10 years in prison.

Both men are free on bail, though Buono, a more than 25-year veteran officer, remains suspended without his $93,847 annual salary.

Last year, Buono's attorney said his client maintained his innocence and intended to fight the charges at trial.

Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find