NJ cop caught on camera going on on-duty dates, gets promotion

A Perth Amboy police officer whose use of an undercover to travel to Woodbridge for dates became public knowledge Tuesday was promoted the same day.

NJ Advance Media reported that Carmelo Jimenez was caught on video leaving his undercover police vehicle, a blue pickup truck, parked on a street for hours after getting out with flowers and food. A defense attorney investigating Jimenez on behalf of several suspects he arrested turned over footage taken by private investigators and surveillance cameras.

According to the report, the dates while on-duty occurred over the course of several months.

Before the incidents became public knowledge, the 17-year veteran was disciplined and was punished with an eight-day suspension, the report said. He had to return 27 hours of pay, the report said.

His promotion to the rank of lieutenant — with a pay raise — came Tuesday afternoon, just hours after the report was published. He was one of several officers promoted at a ceremony at a Perth Amboy YMCA.

"The incident in question occurred in the past and appropriate discipline was instituted," Deputy Chief Larry Cattano said, according to the report.