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CHERRY HILL TWP. — A Camden County police lieutenant accused of exposing himself at a Cherry Hill coffee shop has been suspended without pay.

Deptford resident Benito Gonzalez Jr., a 17-year police veteran who heads up the narcotics squad, was named in the May 7 disorderly persons complaint.

According to the police report, he was in the Starbucks on Route 70 when he pulled down his shorts to expose his genitals and masturbated while seated at a table.

Gonzalez allegedly committed the act, “knowing or reasonably expecting that the act was likely to be observed by a nonconsenting person who would be affronted or alarmed ...,” according to the report.

Gonzalez, who received a meritorious service award in October, has been removed from duty and suspended without pay, according to Camden County police.

The department released a formal response to the matter Tuesday morning.

“We are deeply troubled by the allegations of this off-duty conduct,” Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson said in a statement. “A swift and thorough investigation is being conducted.

“We are working to ascertain all of the facts in this matter with Cherry Hill Police Department and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. The officer has been removed from duty.”

Gonzalez is due to appear in Cherry Hill Township municipal court on June 4.

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