TRENTON &mdash The New Jersey Supreme Court today ruled today that a former Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Officer who pleaded guilty to groping his ex-girlfriend and voluntarily resigned may seek future public employment. Jeremiah Hupka was a county sheriff’s officer and part-time Frenchtown police officer in January 2006 when he groped an unconscious woman while he was off duty. He...
Clik here to view.
A 2007 photo of the Justices of the NJ Supreme Court hearing arguments in Trenton. TRENTON &mdash The New Jersey Supreme Court today ruled today that a former Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Officer who pleaded guilty to groping his ex-girlfriend and voluntarily resigned may seek future public employment.
Jeremiah Hupka was a county sheriff’s officer and part-time Frenchtown police officer in January 2006 when he groped an unconscious woman while he was off duty. He admitted in 2008 to fourth-degree criminal sexual contact in a plea deal after initially being charged with first-degree sexual assault.
As part of his plea, he voluntarily resigned from both of his jobs in law enforcement, and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office requested that Hupka should be permanently disqualified from holding any public office.
Assistant Prosecutor Bennett Barlyn argued the conviction touched on Hupka’s position because police officers are always on duty and obligated to uphold the law, according to court papers.
Hupka’s attorney Darren Gelber previously argued the state’s forfeiture statute applies when there is a direct link between the offense committed and the public office, court papers say.
Superior Court Judge Edward Coleman ruled Hupka’s conviction was serious and at direct odds with his duty to protect and serve the community, but that decision was reversed on appeal. Today's 3 to 2 Supreme Court ruling affirmed the Appellate Court decision.
Though he voluntarily agreed not to seek employment in New Jersey or anywhere else as a law enforcement officer, the Supreme Court ruled Hupka's offense did not compel him to forfeit office or face permanent disqualification from future employment, the justices said.
