MAY 8, 2008

TRENTON POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH

OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT AND DISTRIBUTION OF

PRESCRIPTION LEGEND DRUGS 

TRENTON – Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini, Jr. announced today that a two-month investigation by his Special Investigations Unit (SIU) resulted in the arrest of Trenton Police Officer Nicholas A. Fratticcioli Wednesday evening.  

Fratticcioli, age 24, of Hamilton, was taken into custody at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the Trenton Police Department. 

According to Bocchini, Fratticcioli was charged with one count of official misconduct (2^nd degree) and one count of distribution of a prescription legend drug (2^nd degree).  Fratticcioli allegedly distributed in excess of 100 doses of muscle relaxants, said Bocchini.  The distribution activities took place on two occasions in April and May. 

The Trenton Police Department Internal Affairs Unit and the Hamilton Township Police Department Narcotics Unit assisted in the investigation. 

Fratticcioli was hired by the Trenton Police Department and began the Trenton Police Academy on March 26, 2007.  He graduated from the academy on August 17, 2007, and was working in the Patrol Bureau since that time. 

“This arrest signals that there is no room for dishonest police officers in our society,” Bocchini said.  “Ninety-nine percent of officers do their job with distinction.  These rare instances of police misconduct disparage and overshadow all of the good police work that is done on a daily basis by hard working police officers who are dedicated to protecting and serving.” 

Bail was set at $25,000 by Mercer County Superior Court Judge Charles A. Delehey.