Camden County, N.J. Police Department Fleet Manager Richard Dayton is accused of posing as a police officer to stop a pedestrian and rob him. Dayton retired from active duty police work for Camden City, N.J., and currently collects a disability pension; he retired in 2005. As fleet manager for the County PD, he is a civilian employee.
Dayton allegedly used a police badge and radio to pose as a police officer and stop a pedestrian on August 20. He allegedly showed the pedestrian the badge and took his money before driving away in a Police Department pickup truck. His position as fleet manager allowed him access to police vehicles.
When the victim reported it to the police, officers retrieved video that corroborated with the victim’s account and identified Dayton as the suspect. Law enforcement received information that he may be responsible for similar incidents within the past week and the Prosecutor’s Office and the PD are conducting an investigation.
Dayton was suspended without pay from his job with the intent to dismiss, pending the resolution of the accusations. He was charged with second-degree robbery and official misconduct on August 21 and held on $50,000 bail.
*Updated 8/26/13 at 11:29am with information about retirement date.
