By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
COLTS NECK – Municipal officials are still waiting for a judge’s decision on an issue involving Colts Neck’s police chief nearly four months after a hearing on the matter was held.
Police Chief Kevin Sauter is facing a five-day suspension without pay after charges were filed by municipal officials who allege the chief failed to follow township procedures while traveling to a police conference in Chicago from Oct. 23-38, 2015. The conference was held by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Colts Neck officials have charged Sauter with failure to seek the proper prior written approval from the Township Committee; failure to use vacation time during his attendance at an out-of-state conference; and having an on-duty police officer who was driving a police vehicle pick him up at Newark Liberty International Airport upon his return to New Jersey.
On April 28, retired state Superior Court Judge Robert O’Hagan conducted a hearing in the case. O’Hagan said he expected to make a recommendation to municipal officials in 30 to 45 days.
It has now been more than 100 days since the hearing was held.
On Aug. 10, Township Administrator Kathleen Capristo said officials had yet to receive a ruling from O’Hagan. She said they were expecting a ruling by July at the latest.
“We have not been in direct contact with the judge, only our attorneys,” Capristo said.