Ex-cop resolves claim he retaliated against superior officer

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) -- A former police officer accused of leaking sensitive information about a superior officer to the man's estranged wife has been allowed to enter a pretrial diversion program.

The Daily Record reports Steven Crump, a 36-year-old Hopatcong resident who served for about six years on the Morris Township force, was facing a charge of retaliation for past-official action. The charge will be dismissed if he successfully completes the program.

Crump resigned from the force in 2013. He could have faced up to 18 months in prison if he was convicted on the charge.

Authorities say he had a poor working relationship with the superior officer, and gave his estranged wife information that would assist her in a divorce case. The fourth-degree retaliation charge carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison.

Crump had been charged in June, following an investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. The crime of retaliation for past-official action alleges, in part, that a person harms another by committing an unlawful act with the purpose to retaliate against someone for actions he or she took as a public servant.

While serving as a police officer, Crump had received multiple commendations that included several awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a 2012 department award for exceptional duty.

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