ELIZABETH -- The Linden police sergeant who lost his job after he was busted for selling marijuana in May received probation at his sentencing this morning.

Former Sgt. William F. Turbett III, 30, pleaded guilty to a single count of fourth-degree distribution of marijuana last month after a "small amount" of marijuana was seized when a search warrant was executed on his Sayreville home, authorities said.

As part of his plea, Turbett forfeited his position as an officer along with the right to ever again seek public employment in New Jersey. He earned a salary of $105,693 in 2015, according to state records. Turbett is the son of Linden Capt. William Turbett Jr. and is a seven-year veteran of the department.

Turbett was given 18 months probation in the sentencing today before Judge Frederic R. McDaniel. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterman.

"I'm pleased with the outcome but it's an unfortunate situation," said Turbett's attorney Robert Norton, whose office is in Westfield.

Turbett was joined in court by family members and his girlfriend, Nicolette Hendrickson, 22, of Sayreville, who was at Turbett's home during the bust and was charged with disorderly persons possession of marijuana.

The charges against Hendrickson were dismissed.

When NJ Advance Media asked if those accompanying Turbett wanted to comment on the hearing, Turbett's mother responded with an emphatic "yes," but Norton quickly advised her against speaking to the press.

Turbett was also given back his driver's license when he successfully completed a drug screening immediately after the hearing.

Turbett had been suspended from duty without pay for an unrelated matter prior to when the charges were filed. Linden police did not reveal what caused that suspension.

"While it is a shame that a young man has placed himself in this position, the Linden Police Department is pleased that this matter has come to a quick conclusion," Linden Police Chief James Schulhafer said last month when Turbett pleaded guilty. "It is time for our department to move forward in a positive way."

Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.