New Jersey cops suspended after sex assault claim

TRENTON, New Jersey (AP) -- Seven state troopers have been suspended with pay as authorities investigate a woman's claims that one or more off-duty troopers participated in sexually assaulting her, officials said Tuesday.
art.nj.sex.assault.wabc.jpg

A woman claims she was assaulted after meeting troopers at this New Jersey nightclub, reported WABC-TV.

The 25-year-old woman says she was assaulted by a group of men at a home in Ewing Township early Friday, said Capt. Al Della Fave, a state police spokesman. No charges have been filed.

The investigation is "in the very early stages," Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said.

The woman was treated at a hospital, Onofri said.

New Jersey state police had said earlier that six troopers were suspended. Della Fave said later that a seventh was also suspended but would not elaborate. Video Watch details about the accuser's story »

The suspensions are unusual because the troopers have not been charged, Della Fave said. Troopers normally are suspended without pay after being charged but were suspended with pay in this case because of its high-profile nature and its seriousness, he said.
advertisement

Gov. Jon Corzine confirmed the inquiry but declined to comment in detail.

"Like everyone, if the allegations were true, you'd be deeply disturbed," he said.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/12/troopers....ref=mpstoryview