Asbury Park Officer Accused Of Helping Reputed Gang Members

ASBURY PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A veteran police officer with the Asbury Park Police Department is accused of aiding reputed gang members.

According to Monmouth County prosecutors, 45-year-old Keith German allegedly tipped off reputed gang members to police investigative techniques, as well as providing other assistance.

German is free on bond on charges of official misconduct and unauthorized access of a computer database. No motive for his alleged assistance was cited.

German’s attorney told the Asbury Park Press he will plead not guilty.

The patrolman lives in Tinton Falls and has been on the police force for 16 years.

Thirty-one people, including the officer, were charged in the investigation, which targeted the Crips and Bloods street gangs.

The defendants were arrested on charges ranging from racketeering conspiracy and promoting organized street crime to robbery, drug trafficking and shoplifting.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:

• Queens NYCHA Residents Could Be Without Gas For Months
• Brooklyn Fire Leaves 3 Children With Serious, Critical Injuries
• Suspicions Abound As Search For Missing Malaysian Airliner Continues
• Boy, 5, Struck And Killed By Minivan In Crown Heights

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)