In a verdict announced yesterday in a courtroom at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, Jeffrey Kimmel, a 49-year old ex-Ramsey police officer (pictured left), was convicted ofEndangering the Welfare of a Child. He was acquitted of the more serious count of Sexual Assault.
During the trial, the State alleged that Kimmel had sexually assaulted a 6-year old girl at a relative’s home in 2010. But the defense claimed, in response, that the girl’s “sketchy memory” meant that she was not credible, and Kimmel should be acquitted. The jury apparently split the difference. Kimmel now faces up to ten years in New Jersey State Prison.
Kimmel was previously convicted of stealing more than $110,000 from his police union while he served as its treasurer, the charge which led to his termination from the Ramsey Police Department. He was sentenced to six years in New Jersey State Prison, but was released on parole after serving only seven months.
This newest conviction will likely result in a parole violation being filed against Kimmel, say authorities.
For more information, see the Associated Press article entitled, “Split verdict for ex-Ramsey police officer accused of molesting 6-year-old.”
