A Wall Township police captain who was tried and acquitted in Red Bank Municipal Court (as a neutral venue) of DWI is leaving his job with a $500,000 settlement package, today's Asbury Park Press reports.
The Press says Bernard Sullivan — who was about to become Wall's police chief when he was arrested for drunken driving by a subordinate two years ago — agreed to resign as part of a settlement of his $5 million false-arrest lawsuit against the township.
From the story:
Sullivan to acquire 25 years on the job toward his retirement pension.
Sullivan will not return to work before his retirement; he will use his
accrued vacation time during that period, according to the agreement he
signed Wednesday.
"It was an unfortunate situation, and it is
best that all parties involved part ways and the Wall Township Police
Department move forward with our current administrative staff," Mayor
Michael Clayton said.
Red Bank Municipal Court Judge William Himelman presided at Sullivan's trial in May 2007. The case had been moved to Red Bank over conflict of interest concerns.
In a controversial ruling, Himelman found Sullivan not guilty despite testimony
from the arresting officer, Patrolman Todd Verrecchia, that Sullivan
had run a red light, nearly hit another car, was driving on the wrong
side of the road and gave a Breathalyzer test that showed his blood
alcohol level was twice the legal limit.
Himelman said Sullivan's attorney had raised reasonable doubt that Sullivan was drunk at the time of his arrest. The judge also said described Verrecchia as "someone who enjoyed his job a little too much."
Afterward, breaking a gag order imposed on him by his superiors,
Verrecchia said the verdict was "the most disgusting and disturbing
possible outcome."
