Another Paterson officer admits involvement in illegal stops, shakedowns

Another Paterson police officer has admitted to stealing money during illegal traffic stops and shakedowns and then falsifying reports.
Paterson Officer Frank Toledo faces up to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to violate individuals' civil rights, using unreasonable and excessive force and filing a false police report.
Authorities say Toledo, 30, and other officers illegally stopped individuals and vehicles in Paterson and stole money from those they stopped. The officers sometimes used fake paperwork to trick individuals into believing that the cash seizures and vehicle stops represented legitimate law enforcement encounters.
Toledo is the third officer to admit being part of the shakedowns. He will be sentenced later this year.
Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald released a statement, saying, “The public should take notice that the officers we have lost with recent prosecutions are officers who are not worthy of carrying the shield for this Police Department. I will continue to work tirelessly to see that every officer working for this Department demonstrates respect for the members of this community.”
Officers Jonathan Bustios and Matthew Torres have admitted to other crimes. Charges are pending against two other officers.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.