Former Plainfield Cop Convicted Of Misconduct

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Jurors have found a former Plainfield police sergeant guilty of falsely accusing a woman of crimes and threatening her with jail unless she performed a sexual act.

Samuel Woody, 43, faces up to 10 years in prison when he's sentenced for official misconduct and criminal sexual contact.

Authorities said the 12-year veteran arrested the 27-year-old resident on bogus theft and burglary charges in 2011.

Woody later met the woman and coerced her into removing some of her clothing while he performed a sex act on himself while in uniform, authorities said.

"The conduct of this officer was not only criminal, but brazenly flagrant in the manner in which it violated the public's trust," acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park said in a statement.

The charges against the woman were dismissed for lack of probable cause.

Woody was arrested in 2012 and suspended without pay.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3.

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