Middletown – On January 25, 2024, Chief of Police R. Craig Weber announced the arrest of Middletown Police Officer Brenden Santiago. Santiago was charged by Detectives at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office with one count of theft in an amount over $500 and one count of attempted theft in an amount over $300. The charges are related to incidents that occurred at separate retail locations within Monmouth County in December 2023 and January 2024.
On January 14th, Middletown Twp. Police became aware of information concerning an unknown officer possibly being involved in acts of shoplifting. This information was immediately investigated by members of the Middletown Twp. Police Department Office of Professional Standards, who found that there was sufficient cause to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. A cooperative investigation was initiated and on January 18, 2024, Santiago was suspended with pay. Six days later, following the filing of criminal charges against him, Santiago was relieved of duty and suspended without pay effective January 24, 2024.
During one of the alleged incidents, while off duty, Santiago was seen wearing his Middletown police uniform including a police jacket and ball cap clearly displaying the Middletown Police Department patch insignia. “That Santiago chose to violate his oath of office in which he swore to uphold the law is extremely disappointing, but the fact that he is further alleged to have shoplifted merchandise while dressed in his police uniform is particularly disgraceful” said Chief Weber.
Middletown Twp. Police Chief R. Craig Weber stated, “The criminal conduct alleged in the complaints filed against Patrolman Santiago are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of our agency. We firmly believe that trust and integrity are the essential cornerstones of policing. The ability of the police department to maintain the trust and confidence of the public is of the utmost importance. This incident demonstrates both the importance and the effectiveness of the police professional standards function in identifying and addressing misconduct and underscores the commitment of the Middletown Township Police Department and its members to hold our police officers and one another to the highest professional and ethical standards.”
Any persons arrested or charged with offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Additionally, except in specific circumstances, arrest and complaint information and names of those charged may be released.
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Contact: Deputy Chief Paul Bailey
Public Information Officer
Desk: (732) 615-2066
pbailey@middletownnj.org