Drug-dealing police sergeant in Linden gets probation

LINDEN — A Union County police sergeant charged with selling marijuana has been sentenced to probation.

Former Linden Sgt. William Turbett pleaded guilty to fourth-degree distribution of marijuana last month and was sentenced Friday to 18 months of probation.

He forfeited his position and the right to ever seek public employment in the state.

The seven-year veteran made nearly $106,000 last year.

A disorderly person marijuana possession charge against his girlfriend was dismissed.

This is the same police department that employed Officer Pedro Abad, who has pleaded not guilty to charges that he killed a fellow officer and friend and injured two others after driving drunk the wrong way on a Staten Island highway in 2015.