4 Edison Officers, Officer's Wife Indicted On Misconduct, Conspiracy Charges
EDISON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Four Edison police officers and the wife of one officer have been indicted for multiple charges in two separate incidents, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office announced Friday.
Officer Michael A. Dotro, Officer Brian Favretto, Officer Victor E. Aravena and Officer William H. Gesell were charged for plans to "retaliate" against an officer in North Brunswick after having arrested an associate of Dotro on a drunk driving charge. However, no actual retaliation was taken, authorities say. According to a news release, the officers allegedly planned to run surveillance on the officer to gain information on his travel habits and whereabouts.
The identity of the person charged with DWI, as well as that of the North Brunswick officer, has not been disclosed.
WEB EXTRA: Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Announces Charges (pdf)
Authorities have charged Gesell with unlawfully accessing a police computer system as well as a count of official misconduct for looking for information on the officer.
Aravena was charged with witness tampering, obstructing administration of law and misconduct for allegedly attempting to influence another Edison officer to change a police report in an unrelated investigation.
Dotro was charged with unlawfully accessing a police computer and misconduct after being accused of getting information from a registered license plate at the request of one of his friends. Dotro has also been charged for possession of prohibited devices such as an imitation firearm, brass knuckles and imitation weapon.
He was also reportedly found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia found in his police bag. The officer also is charged for reportedly buying marijuana for his wife, Alycia Dotro, several times, who has not been charged with those counts.
Alycia Dotro has been charged with misconduct, conspiracy and criminal mischief for allegedly slashing the tires of a car belonging to an Edison woman. In connection to that incident, her husband is charged with criminal mischief and conspiracy for checking police records and keeping his wife updated on any reports of the tire-slashing.
Officer Dotro's bail was set at $100,000. Alycia Dotro, Aravena and Gesell's bail was set at $75,000 and $50,000 for Favretto.
All defendants were said to be free Friday evening, but most post bail before November 7. They are scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. on the 7th, according to a news release.
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