Charges Dropped Against Accused Cop Impersonator

Editor's note: In the case below, all charges except for theft by unlawful taking were dropped.

New Milford Police have arrested Jason Gaines, 33, of Ramsey, on charges in connection with the Sept. 29 robbery of four borough teens in which he had posed as a police officer when he stopped their vehicle.

Gaines was charged with one count each of robbery, criminal restraint, impersonating a police officer, theft and simple assault, Police Chief Frank Papapietro reported Saturday. Bail was set by the Hon. Judge Kevin Kelly at $25,000.00 with no 10% option. Gaines was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail.

The arrest was made late Friday evening after Officer Derek Mattessich spotted a vehicle, which matched the description of the one used in the crime, parked in a driveway several blocks from where the incident occurred, Papapietro said. After spotting the vehicle Mattessich provided Det. Brian Long with the vehicle's license plate information which determined the vehicle's owner had an association with Gaines, explained Papapietro.

With assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff's Office BCI Unit, Det. Long developed a photo lineup where the four teenaged victims were able to positively identify Gaines, the chief explained.

Police say Gaines had told the teens that he suspected they were using drugs and had them exit the vehicle before searching it and taking $110. He then allegedly forced the teens to remove their shoes and empty their pockets, wrestling with one of the teens who attempted to call a parent.

Papapietro said, "The Department took this incident very personally. These officers took a very dangerous individual off the streets and are to be commended for their perseverance. Police Officer Mattessich, although with us for less than a year, by his actions exhibited the qualities and intuitiveness of a seasoned officer. It is a credit to his professional abilities and the mentoring he has received from his fellow officers. Our residents are fortunate that he decided to establish his career here."

Papapietro added that this investigation, headed by Det. Brian Long, has been considered "high priority" in the department. For him and his department, apprehending Gaines was important due to the effect this crime had on the public's confidence.