New Jersey Police Officer Accused of Secretly Tracking Ex-Girlfriend Faces Stalking Charges

A New Jersey police officer has been arrested after prosecutors say he secretly placed a tracking device on his former girlfriend’s vehicle and repeatedly showed up at places she was visiting, according to county officials.

Authorities in Hunterdon County confirmed that 29-year-old Joseph Pietraszewski, a police officer from Clinton, was taken into custody and charged with stalking and violating a temporary restraining order. Officials say he is currently being held at Warren County Jail and is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing on April 15.

According to investigators, concerns about the officer first surfaced after he reportedly made troubling remarks about his ex-girlfriend to a colleague. Following these comments, he was placed on administrative leave on March 27 while an internal and criminal investigation began.

Prosecutors said the case escalated after the woman reported that Pietraszewski had appeared at multiple locations where she was present, raising serious safety concerns. In response, she sought legal protection and was granted a temporary restraining order under domestic violence laws.

During the investigation, detectives later discovered that the officer had allegedly installed a hidden tracking device on the victim’s car without her knowledge. Officials described this finding as a key factor in the stalking charges filed against him.

Law enforcement authorities arrested Pietraszewski at his residence on Friday. Members of the Hunterdon County SWAT team assisted in taking him into custody without incident, officials said.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation is still active and ongoing. Officials have not released additional details about how long the alleged tracking had been taking place or whether other individuals may be involved.

The case has raised concerns given the suspect’s position as a law enforcement officer, highlighting issues around trust, accountability, and the misuse of authority. Prosecutors have emphasized that all individuals, regardless of profession, are subject to the law when accused of criminal behavior.

As the legal process continues, court proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.

Sources:
Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office
Clinton Police Department
Warren County Jail Records