Manalapan Patrol Officer Indicted For Illegal Conduct Involving Teens

Friday, October 25, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

MANALAPAN, NJ.- On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago reported that a Grand Jury sitting in Monmouth County, New Jersey, returned an indictment against currently suspended Manalapan Township Police Officer Kevin Ruditsky, 47, on charges related to the inappropriate conduct involving two teen girls.

     The indictment charges Ruditsky with second-degree Engaging in a Pattern of Official Misconduct; nine counts of second-degree Official Misconduct; three counts of third-degree Computer Criminal Activity; three counts of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; third-degree Hindering Apprehension; fourth-degree Impersonating a Law Enforcement Office, While Being Suspended from Duty; and fourth-degree Stalking.

     The charges in the indictment stem from an investigation that began when the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit in August launched a probe into allegations that Ruditsky had been sending inappropriate messages and photos to one of the teen girls who was 16 years old at that time. During the investigation, Detectives uncovered that the conduct began during Manalapan Township’s 2023 National Night Out event. 

     Ruditsky was in full uniform at the event and allowed the 16-year-old girl to sit in his patrol car. Later in the evening and in the days that followed the event, Ruditsky began sending the girl sexually explicit messages and photos via a social media platform, even after the girl repeatedly told him her age. Detectives also uncovered that several days after National Night Out, Ruditsky pulled her over while she was driving on Route 9, unlawfully handcuffed her, and attempted to kiss her. At the same time, she was restrained, and his dash camera and body-worn camera were turned off.

Allegedly Handcuffs Teen Girl And Attempts To Kiss Her

     On another occasion, Ruditsky, while on duty, parked his marked patrol car outside of the 16-year-old girl’s residence during the overnight hours, even after she had refused to provide him with her address.

     Further investigation uncovered that Ruditsky sent inappropriate messages to the other teen victim in December 2022 when she was seventeen. Additionally, Ruditsky conducted improper computer checks on both teen girls in a law-enforcement database without any law enforcement purpose.

Investigation Remains Active And Ongoing

     The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding Ruditsky’s conduct is asked to contact Detective Gregory Hilton, II of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, at (800) 533-7443.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”