The wife of Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford filed a temporary restraining order against him over the weekend, according to his attorney.

Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford.

"This is a private matter based upon a misunderstanding," Patricia Barbarito, Rochford's attorney, said in an emailed statement. "I am confident that it will be resolved quickly and favorably. Sheriff Rochford continues to serve Morris County with the same superior leadership and commitment he has demonstrated for the past 22 years."

Diana Rochford filed for divorce from Edward Rochford in June, according to the Daily Record. Since the Sheriff's Office is constitutionally mandated to guard the courthouse, the divorce filing was transferred to Somerset County, the newspaper reported.

Barbarito told NJ.com in a telephone conversation that the couple has been married for 37 years, and that the sheriff will continue to hold his position while the matter is being settled.

"He'll continue to work," she said. "There's no reason to have any interruption, it isn't necessary or required. He's going to continue to lead and serve in the same honorable fashion as he's done for the past 22 years."

According to state statutes governing temporary restraining orders, firearms are seized from an individual who is subject to a temporary restraining order. Under state law and guidelines from the Attorney General's Office, the decision about whether law enforcement officers may possess a firearm while on duty is made on a case-by-case basis.

CONNECT WITH US

• Follow us on Twitter

• Like us on Facebook



• NJ.com/morris



Barbarito declined to comment on whether the restraining order would impact his ability to possess firearms or whether his weapons had been seized.

Morris County Freeholder Director Thomas Mastrangelo said he didn't expect this incident would impact Rochford's ability to perform his duties.

Mastrangelo said he hoped "for a good outcome."

"That's between the sheriff and his wife, Diana," he said. "The judicial process will take its course. I wish the sheriff and Diana the best, and for a good outcome."

Earlier this month, Rochford filed suit against the freeholder board to compel the hiring of nine officers, but the lawsuit was withdrawn less than a week later after the board agreed to put through the paperwork for the new hires.