Phony cop found guilty of armed robbery for cash and drugs

A Keansburg man has been found guilty of impersonating a police officer as well as armed robbery and other charges, the Monmouth County Prosecutor Announced Thursday.

In a press release, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said Steven P. Rinck, 49, of Seabreeze Way in Keansburg, was convicted on four counts of fourth degree impersonating a law enforcement officer, two counts of first degree armed robbery, one count of second degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second degree unlawful possession of a weapon, two counts of fourth degree aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, two counts of third degree terroristic threats, two counts of second degree kidnapping, and one count of second degree certain persons not to have firearms.

Rinck’s conviction stems from an incident that took place at about 9 p.m. on Oct. 21 at 156 Seeley Ave. in Keansburg. According to authorities, Rinck, who was armed with a handgun, managed to gain entry into a home by telling the residents that he was a police officer and presenting them with a false search warrant.

"Rinck convinced the victim at the residence he was a legitimate member of law enforcement and once inside, Rinck stole cash and drugs from the victim and also from a friend who arrived at the residence shortly after Rinck’s arrival," the prosecutor said in the press release.

During the armed robbery, Rinck claimed he worked for the New Jersey State Police. He then forced two men into a vehicle at gunpoint. At one point, he made one of the victims exit the car while he kept the other with him on a ride in search of drugs.

Authorities say Rinck also "made additional claims that he worked for the State Police Gun Trafficking Unit and wanted information regarding where to obtain guns."

Rinck eventually released the victim, who reported the incident to the Keansburg Police Department.

Rinck faces up to 20 years in a New Jersey state prison upon sentencing, on each count of first degree armed robbery, "subject to the provisions of the "No Early Release Act" (NERA) requiring him to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release on parole," the prosecutor said. In addition, he would be subject to parole supervision for five years after his release.

He faces additional sentences between 18 months and 10 years in prison on the other charges. Rinck is scheduled for sentencing on May 24, 2016, before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge John R. Tassini.

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.