Two Off-Duty Bergen County Police Officers Among Those Accused In Alleged Cover-Up
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PARK RIDGE, NJ.- Four individuals, including two off-duty Bergen County law enforcement officers, have been charged in connection with a violent altercation outside a Park Ridge steakhouse that left a man critically injured, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced.
The charges stem from a December 6, 2025, incident outside The Park Steakhouse, where Park Ridge police responded to reports of a disturbance in progress. Upon arrival, Police Officers found a man lying on the ground suffering from an apparent head injury. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. He was hospitalized for several days before being released.
Following an extensive investigation, authorities arrested and charged Nicholas K. Dispoto, 31, of Hillsdale, New Jersey; Jason R. Vradenburg, 28, of Park Ridge, New Jersey; Martina L. McGee, 29, of Hillsdale, New Jersey; and Thomas M. Schiavone, 59, of St. James City, Florida.
According to Prosecutor Musella, the investigation was conducted jointly by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Park Ridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Rampolla.
Off-Duty Officers Identified In Altercation;
During the initial response, the Park Ridge Police Department began investigating the incident. Due to the potential involvement of law enforcement personnel, the Prosecutor’s Office Confidential Investigations Unit was notified. After further review, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office superseded the investigation.
Investigators determined that Dispoto, an off-duty officer with the Montvale Police Department, was directly involved in the physical altercation that resulted in the victim’s significant bodily injury. Authorities further allege that Dispoto concealed himself inside the steakhouse while responding Officers arrived at the scene, avoiding immediate detection.
The investigation also revealed that Vradenburg, an off-duty Officer with the Park Ridge Police Department, along with McGee and Schiavone, allegedly provided responding Officers with false and misleading information. Prosecutors say this conduct aided in concealing Dispoto’s involvement in the assault.
Criminal Charges Filed;
As a result of the findings:
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Jason R. Vradenburg was arrested and charged with third-degree endangering an injured victim; third-degree tampering with public records; and fourth-degree hindering apprehension of another. Vradenburg was released pending a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court, located in Hackensack.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, Nicholas K. Dispoto was arrested and charged with third-degree aggravated assault; third-degree endangering an injured victim; and fourth-degree obstructing the administration of law. Dispoto was released pending his first court appearance in Bergen County Superior Court.
Additionally, on Friday, February 13, 2026, Martina L. McGee and Thomas M. Schiavone were each charged with fourth-degree hindering apprehension of another. Both defendants are awaiting their initial appearances in Bergen County Superior Court.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings;
Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the investigation remains active and that the charges reflect alleged conduct uncovered through witness statements, evidence review, and internal investigative procedures. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements and charging documents released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Charges are accusations, not findings of guilt. Court proceedings are pending, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
