SECAUCUS – Hudson County Acting Prosecutor Gaetano T. Gregory announced that Michael Cucciniello, 43, was charged on Friday, Nov. 14 with Obtaining a Controlled Dangerous Substance by Fraud in violation of N.J.S. 2C:35-13, a third degree crime. Cucciniello is a police officer with the Secaucus Police Department.
Investigators allege that between the period of Feb. 24, 2013 and Oct. 30, 2013, Cucciniello obtained a steroid gel known as Androgel Testosterone by prescription and then sold it on eBay. The investigation was conducted by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit in cooperation with the Secaucus Police Department.
Cucciniello was processed and released on a summons complaint, which is common for third degree crimes, and is scheduled to make his first appearance in C.J.P. Court on Friday, Nov. 21. He is suspended without pay.
Acting Secaucus Police Chief John Cerny stated, “It’s a dark day for the Secaucus Police Department. Police Officers are sworn to uphold laws. They also have to abide by those very same laws. Wrongdoing will not be tolerated. We owe that to the public who entrusts us, as well as the men and women of this department who come to work every single day and do their job the right way. The Secaucus Police Department continues to remain committed to our community.”
Gregory credited the Secaucus Police Department under the leadership of Chief Cerny for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Secaucus police officer charged with selling steroids online
