1-16-2026 6:14pm

Hunterdon County Man in Raritan Township Arrested for Impersonating Police

Donnella Tilery Editor

Raritan Man Arrested in Police Impersonation Investigation Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson and Raritan Township Police Chief Al Payne announce that, following an extensive investigation — conducted with the critical support of the Readington Township Police Department — investigators have identified the suspect and vehicle reportedly involved in recent police‑impersonation incidents. Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Raritan Township. Investigators located both the vehicle and the suspect, who was identified Dean R. Pluchino, 18, of Raritan Township, New Jersey. The Raritan Township Police Department charged Mr. Pluchino with two counts of fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-8b, and one count of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-6(1).

The Readington Township Police Department similarly charged Mr. Pluchino with fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer, N.J.S.A. 2C:28-8b. Mr. Pluchino was released onto pretrial monitoring with conditions. He is represented by Anthony P. Kearns, III, Esq. The investigating agencies express their appreciation to area residents for the information and cooperation they provided, which played a significant role in bringing this matter to a successful resolution.Fourth-degree charges may result in criminal penalties, including, but not limited to, a term of imprisonment up to eighteen months and a fine up to $10,000. Every person is entitled to a presumption of innocence until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 788-1129 or the Raritan Township Police Department at (908)-782-8889. Information can also be provided through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. All anonymous reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidenti