Orange Cop Accused Of Criminal Sexual Contact During Traffic Stop

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A northern New Jersey police officer has been charged with criminal sexual contact after prosecutors say he touched a woman during a traffic stop.

Essex County prosecutors say 34-year-old Orange police Officer Ricardo Arias-Vasquez allegedly pulled a woman over on Nov. 18 and touched her inappropriately.

His attorney says that Arias-Vasquez denies any wrongdoing. Charles Sciarra says that it's open season on police officers.

Arias-Vasquez was charged with one third-degree count of criminal sexual contact with a victim over whom he had disciplinary power and witness tampering.

He was released on $25,000 bail.

Arias-Vasquez has worked for the Paterson police department, Essex County prosecutor's office and twice for the Orange department. He has been an Orange officer since June 2013.

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