![Howell, NJ ex-police chief pleads guilty to sex affair cover-up](https://townsquare.media/site/385/files/2024/05/attachment-kudrick-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Howell, NJ ex-police chief pleads guilty to sex affair cover-up
🚨 Former police chief pleads guilty to obstruction
🚨 Confesses to lying about affair with subordinate
🚨 He "made a mistake," defense attorney says
HOWELL — A former police chief has admitted to lying to investigators in an attempt to conceal an affair with a township employee.
Now-retired Howell police Chief Andrew Kudrick, 50, of Farmingdale pleaded guilty in Superior Court for Monmouth County on Monday to fourth-degree obstruction, according to the Attorney General's Office.
Authorities said that an incident at a work-related event sparked a formal investigation by Howell Township into its police department for the possibility of a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.
Kudrick admitted in court that during an official interview, he lied about having an affair with a subordinate.
Then, in late March 2022, he threatened to launch an internal affairs investigation against a member of the department who knew about the illicit relationship to stop them from cooperating with the township. Kudrick resigned that spring.
Kudrick has agreed to a lifetime ban on public employment and probation under the plea agreement. The duration of the probation will be decided at his July 19 sentencing.
Former chief "made a mistake"
Pleading guilty to obstruction means that an indictment with more serious charges has been dismissed entirely, defense attorney Robert Honecker said in a statement.
"Chief Kudrick served Howell Township with distinction for almost 30 years. He made a mistake by testifying falsely about a prohibited relationship with a township employee," said Honecker.
Last year, authorities announced charges against Kudrick including official misconduct, tampering with public records, and retaliation against witnesses. Those charges were dropped.
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