New Jersey Police Officers Fired for Using Racial Slurs: Judge Upholds Termination
Two New Jersey police officers who were suspended for using racial slurs in recorded rants have been ruled to be fired by a judge. Clark County Police Chief Pedro Matos and Sgt. Joseph Teston had filed a lawsuit to be reinstated, but the judge dismissed their case. The state Attorney General had recommended their termination back in 2023, and now they can face disciplinary action. The officers have received over $2.6 million in combined salary during their suspensions.
The investigation into the officers' use of racial slurs began in 2020 and lasted for three years. The recordings, made by whistleblower Lt. Antonio Manata, captured Matos making derogatory remarks about black individuals and Teston comparing a black suspect to an animal. A third officer, Capt. Vincent Concina, was also suspended for retaliating against the whistleblower. Manata received a $400,000 settlement payment from Clark Township in 2020.
The judge's ruling allows for Matos and Teston to be fired for their misconduct. The officers' use of racial slurs in recorded conversations led to their suspension and now their termination. The state Attorney General had recommended their firing, and the judge's decision upholds that recommendation. The officers' actions were deemed unacceptable, and they will now face the consequences of their behavior.