Hunterdon County Parents Face Charges After Son’s Alleged Fake Police Stops

Raritan Township officials say Hunterdon County authorities accused the parents of an 18-year-old man after an investigation into phony police stops.

Dean Pluchino, 18, of Raritan Township was detained on January 16. Pluchino was charged with impersonating a police officer and tampering with evidence. He allegedly stopped traffic while impersonating a police officer, which was unsafe and illegal.

After investigating the event, police found Pluchino’s parents involved. The father, 51, and mother, 49, of Raritan Township, were charged with fourth-degree conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence. Police stated they took these charges after their son’s alleged misdeeds were discovered.

Officials didn’t say how the evidence was tampered with or what each parent did. According to conspiracy accusations, the parents deliberately assisted or consented to interfere with case evidence.

The incident shows how dangerous impersonating a police officer is in New Jersey. Police have often cautioned that phony police activities can endanger the public and damage trust in real police. Interfering with evidence during an investigation can result in extra charges, regardless of family links.

Currently, all charges are allegations. Until proven guilty, defendants are presumed innocent. The New Jersey criminal justice system may reveal more about the case.

Law enforcement stressed that public safety investigations are comprehensive and that obstructing justice can result in legal action.

Sources

Raritan Township Police Department
New Jersey Law Enforcement Authorities