NJ police chief accused of pooping on floors, lewdness, killing pet, drugging coffee

NORTH BERGEN -- Five police officers are suing the township, claiming that their police chief, Robert Farley, engaged in reckless and inappropriate behavior while in office. The township’s leaders, including the powerful retired state senator mayor, have publicly backed Chief Farley, stating that no allegations have been substantiated at this time. Chief Farley took command of the police department in February 2024, quickly appointing Lt. Alex Guzman and Special Capt. Michael Derin as his aides.

The officers have filed tort claim notices detailing a series of disturbing incidents they allege occurred under Farley’s leadership. These include grotesque acts such as defecating in office wastebaskets, exposing himself, and tampering with a community coffee pot by spiking it with Adderall and Viagra. Other bizarre incidents include hiding a ghost pepper in a child's sandwich, deliberately microwaving hot peppers to create chaos, and damaging department property in fits of rage.

Lt. Guzman has been vocal about the hostile work environment created by Farley, stating that reassignment from Farley's team has provided some relief from the distressing conditions he faced. He expressed deep concern about potential corruption within the department, claiming Farley may be engaging in criminal activities to shield himself from accountability. Special Capt. Derin similarly reports retaliation and adverse actions against himself and his son, who is also a member of the police force.

Both Guzman and Derin have provided accounts of witnessing Farley’s reckless behavior, including putting dangerous substances into food and then covering up the incidents by misreporting them as equipment malfunctions. Officer Rasheed Siyam and Officer Christopher Bowen have also raised allegations of racial harassment, retaliation for whistleblowing, and civil rights violations related to their support of fellow officers in this turmoil.

In response to the allegations, the township has referred the matter to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, which subsequently forwarded it to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. The township has stated that it will comply with the outcome of this investigation while emphasizing that, as of now, none of the allegations have been proven true.