Bridgeton cop admits wrong in pepper spraying driver, but chief criticizes prosecution
CAMDEN — A Bridgeton police officer will be sentenced next February in federal court here unnecessarily using pepper spray on a handcuffed prisoner six years ago, a prosecution that the city's police chief describes as "overzealous."
John Grier III, 51, of Cedarville, Lawrence Township entered a guilty plea Oct. 5 in United States District Court. Grier, now suspended from duty, is free on a bond.
The guilty plea is to a civil rights violation charge under a “superseding information.” His seven-page plea agreement calls for two counts under a separate indictment to be dismissed, but the court still may consider those counts as “relevant conduct."
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Grier faces a maximum prison term of one year and a maximum fine of $100,000, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip R. Sellinger.
“Those who wear the badge have an obligation to protect the civil rights of everyone in our communities, including those who are accused of a crime,” Sellinger said. “Using pepper spray on a handcuffed suspect who posed no threat was an unreasonable use of force that violated the law.”
Attorney Stuart Alterman, who represented Grier, was not immediately available for comment.
Bridgeton police Chief Michael Gaimari criticized federal officials for bringing charges.
“I am disappointed the matter did not proceed to trial; however, I understand, sympathize, and respect Officer Grier’s decision,” Gaimari said on Friday. “I by no means sanction the officer’s actions; however, the matter was dealt with internally, discipline was administered including suspension, and subsequently the county prosecutor’s office declined criminal prosecution.
“The officer was working for nearly three years after the incident without issue while the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigated before bringing charges,” Gaimari said. “I feel he was the subject of overzealous prosecution on the part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office."
Grier is on unpaid suspension pending further court action, Gaimari explained.
The underlying incident took place on June 18, 2017 at a gas station in Bridgeton. A federal indictment was not filed until June 30, 2021, and the indictment was filed under a court seal.
Officers had arrested a Salem City man on a charge of driving under the influence after police had responded to a report of two men creating a disturbance at the gas station.
The indictment alleged Grier was only a backup responder, left the gas station, but returned when officers reported the driver and his passenger were belligerent. Body camera video showed Grier spraying the driver as another officer put him in the cruiser and then spraying him again.
Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation.
Sellinger also recognized contributions of the Internal Affairs Unit of the Bridgeton Police Department and its chief; investigators and detectives of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office; and the Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McCray.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Richardson and Lindsey Harteis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden are assigned to the court case. The case is before Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez.
This story may be updated.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Support local journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Bridgeton officer takes federal offer in 2017 case; could face prison
