John Saccenti

By: centraljersey.com
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said Monday that it is still investigating Princeton Township Police Chief Mark V. Emann and two other longtime township officers with the department.
On Friday, Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. announced that his office had superseded Chief Emann and assumed control of the daily operations of the Princeton Township Police Department following an investigation that started approximately a week ago in relation to the sale of township-owned property by the officers. Casey DiBlasio, of the prosecutor’s office, said the items were "moveable" items, rather than real estate.
Chief Emann, Lt. Michael Henderson and Cpl. Arthur Villaruz of the Princeton Township Police Department were asked to step down amid an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the filing of related administrative charges.
According to the township clerk’s office, Chief Emann was hired in July 1978. As of Dec. 29, his salary was $156,832. Lt. Henderson was hired Aug. 6, 1985. His salary was $135,200. Cpl. Villaruz was hired Aug. 15, 1984. His salary was $100,976. Chief Emann became chief in 2007, but took on the duties of chief in 2005 from former Chief Anthony Gaylord, who was on paid leave at the time.
Ms. DiBlasio would not comment on what items had been sold, by who, when or where. No criminal charges had been filed as of Monday afternoon, but Ms. DiBlasio left open the possibility that they could be.
"The investigation is ongoing, and any criminal charges that may result from that investigation would be filed, but at this time an active investigation is going on," she said.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office will directly supervise the day-to-day operations of the Police Department, including all personnel, until further notice. Chief William Straniero of the prosecutor’s office has been designated as representative in charge of the supervision and management of the Police Department.
"The decision to assume control of the Princeton Township Police Department was made to ensure the effective administration of police services and criminal justice within the township," Mr. Bocchini said in a statement issued Friday. "I have been assured of Princeton Township’s complete cooperation and am confident that the public will continue to be protected and served in a thorough and professional manner."
Calls to Princeton Township Mayor Bernard Miller and to Mr. Emann’s attorney seeking comment were not returned.
A statement released by the township on Friday said: "The supersession of the Princeton Township Police Department was done in accordance with administrative authority vested in the county prosecutor.