News - New Jersey Police Chief Accused of Assault, Faces Legal Trouble

In a disturbing turn of events, Carmen Veneziano, the police chief of Totowa, New Jersey, is embroiled in serious legal allegations. Veneziano, aged 47, faces charges of kidnapping and domestic assault following an alleged violent incident involving a woman during a trip to Boston, Massachusetts. The accusations surfaced as prosecutors presented their case, alleging an intense confrontation at a hotel during a visit for a Red Sox game in September. Upon his arraignment in Suffolk Superior Court, Veneziano pleaded not guilty to one count of kidnapping and three counts of domestic assault and battery. The court set Veneziano's bail at $25,000 with stipulations including a GPS monitor requirement and an order to maintain distance from the alleged victim. His role as police chief, a position he's held since 2020, is now under scrutiny. Assistant District Attorney Ian Polumbaum outlined the sequence of events, suggesting the altercation began after a baseball game outing turned contentious upon returning to the hotel. The situation reportedly escalated in the early hours, leading to accusations of physical aggression, with Veneziano allegedly forcing his way back into the hotel room, which led to a violent dispute. Security intervened after initial turmoil, but the situation allegedly turned physical once again inside the room, as per the prosecutors' claims. The woman contacted hotel staff, reportedly expressing distress over being harmed, although she did not immediately report the physical abuse to the responding officers. Despite the allegations, Veneziano's attorney, Paolo Corso, defended his client's reputation, highlighting Veneziano’s role as a respected community leader while maintaining his innocence emphatically in light of the charges. The case is unfolding against a backdrop of previous legal challenges for Veneziano, who has faced DUI and reckless driving charges in his home state earlier this year. These issues had already led to his suspension by Totowa's council, reinforcing the gravity of the current situation. In the aftermath of his arrest, Totowa’s leadership, including Mayor John Coiro, has moved swiftly to suspend Veneziano without pay. Preparations are underway to appoint an acting police chief, ensuring leadership continuity for the town's law enforcement amid these developments. The town council had previously applied a delay in addressing the DUI suspension, marking a tumultuous period for Veneziano. Looking forward, Veneziano's trial is anticipated in October, where the allegations will be thoroughly examined in court. The situation underscores crucial accountability measures within police ranks and the implications of legal infractions at such a significant scale.