S. Jersey cop charged with trying to get oral sex from defendant

A South Jersey police officer was charged with official misconduct for offering to help a woman with pending criminal charges in exchange for oral sex, prosecutors said Monday.

Robert E. Marzi, 29, who has worked for the Monroe Township Police Department for two years, was suspended without pay pending the outcome of his case.

Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton said his office was reviewing other arrests involving Marzi for evidence of further misconduct.

The criminal complaint, signed by a detective Wednesday, states that on Jan. 17 Marzi promised a woman "assistance with her pending criminal charges in exchange for fellatio."

Marzi was released after posting $25,000 bail.

Monroe Township Police Chief John McKeown said Marzi was placed on administrative leave on June 15 and will face an internal investigation after the conclusion of the criminal case.

"Like all persons accused of a criminal act, this officer is entitled to due process of the law. I expect this to take time," McKeown said.

"Every officer takes an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and constitution and laws of this state. We must never forget that both on and off duty, we proudly carry this burden. This is a time for each of us in law enforcement to reflect on why we entered policing and what it means to protect and serve with honor," McKeown said.

Marzi last year received an award for being one of the first officers in Monroe Township to save an overdose victim by administering naloxone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids.

bmoran@phillynews. 215-854-5983

@RobertMoran215