N.J. troopers in high-speed escort charged

Criminal charges have been filed against two New Jersey state troopers involved in the unauthorized escort of high-speed sports cars on the Garden State Parkway in March.

New Jersey Attorney General Jeff Chiesa says Sgt. Nadir Nassry and Trooper Joseph Ventrella are accused of using black electrical tape to change the numbers on their state police license plates. He says Nassry allegedly instructed other drivers in the caravan to conceal their plates.

“What they did was absolutely wrong,” Chiesa said. “To make matters worse, they knew it was wrong and attempted to cover up their involvement in this egregious conduct.”

Both troopers, charged with tampering with public records, have been suspended without pay.

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State Police Superintendent Rick Fuentes says Nassry’s request for retirement won’t be considered until the criminal charges are resolved.

New guidelines for state police escorts include instructions to obey the speed limit and avoid the use of passing lanes.

“We will not tolerate officers who endanger the public they are sworn to protect,” Chiesa said. “Police escorts are designed to keep the public safe, but the actions of these two troopers in conducting the high speed caravan did the opposite.”

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