OC SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT LIEUTENANT ARRESTED

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy today announced the arrest of Lt. John C. Adams, 40, of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.  Lt. Adams is charged with second degree Official Misconduct, second degree Theft and third degree Possession of Cocaine.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Bureau.  The investigation revealed that on May 15, 2015, Lt. Adams, who was assigned to the Canine Unit, legitimately came into possession of cocaine for the purpose of training canines to detect the drug.  He worked within the unit as a certified canine handler and a certified canine handler instructor.  Between May 15, 2015 and February 11, 2017, cocaine was determined to be missing from the location within the Sheriff’s Department where it was kept for periodic training.  Subsequent investigation alleges that Adams had diverted the cocaine to his own personal use.

Adams surrendered himself at noon today at the Toms River Police Department.  He was issued his complaint summons and the Superior Court will schedule his first appearance.  Adams is presently suspended from his position with the Sheriff’s Department.  He has been an employee of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department since July 2000.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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