June 5, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A New Jersey state trooper was criminally charged today for allegedly stalking a female motorist in his patrol vehicle while on duty. Trooper Michael Patterson, 28, of Bayonne, N.J., was charged today by complaint-summons with the following criminal offenses:
- Crime of Deprivation of Civil Rights (3rd degree)
- Stalking (4th degree)
- Tampering with Public Records (4th degree)
The New Jersey State Police Office of Professional Standards initially investigated this matter and referred it to the Corruption Bureau within the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, which filed the criminal charges today and is prosecuting the case. The investigation revealed that on January 28, 2020, Trooper Patterson conducted a motor vehicle stop of a female motorist on the New Jersey Turnpike at approximately 9:30 p.m. Patterson let the woman go with a warning, but he allegedly conducted a second, unwarranted stop of her vehicle a few minutes later when she exited the Turnpike at Exit 11. Patterson allegedly conducted the second motor vehicle stop in order to make unwanted advances on the woman. Patterson allegedly disabled the Digital In-Vehicle Recorder (DIVR) in his vehicle to prevent his conduct from being recorded during this second stop. It is further alleged that Patterson subsequently put the victim in fear by following her to her home in his patrol vehicle. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of $10,000.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Trooper Michael Patterson, 2018 NJ State Police File Photo
Last time Trooper Michael Patterson made the news was when he pulled over a retired police officer then realized it was the officer who delivered him years before, see article below:
Trooper Stops Retired Police Officer Who Delivered Him 27 Years Ago
We’re not sure what the odds are of this happening—maybe they’re close to the odds of a hole-in-one, winning the lottery, or being struck by lightning—but it happened.
On Friday, June 1, Trooper Michael Patterson stopped Matthew Bailly for a minor motor vehicle violation in Kingwood Township. During the initial conversation, Mr. Bailly told Trooper Patterson that he was a retired Piscataway police officer. Trooper Patterson, being a Piscataway native, told Mr. Bailly that he is from the same town. Now here’s where things get interesting…
Mr. Bailly asked Trooper Patterson where he used to live. When Trooper Patterson told him that he grew up on Poe Place, Mr. Bailly said that he remembered that street, because he helped deliver a baby there 27 years ago when he was a rookie cop. He was even able to describe the color, style of house, and the baby’s name, Michael.
Trooper Patterson extended his hand and replied, “My name is Michael Patterson, sir. Thank you for delivering me.”
Whatever the odds were, it happened. Trooper Michael Patterson stopped the police officer who delivered him 27 years ago in Piscataway. Mr. Bailly had four years on the job when he responded to a home on Poe Place in Piscataway. The date was October 5, 1991. Trooper Patterson’s mother, Karen Patterson, was out shopping when she went into labor. She barely made it home. Bobby Patterson, Trooper Patterson’s father, rushed outside, picked up his wife, and carried her inside the house. He then called the doctor who talked Officer Bailly through the birth.
Needless to say, Trooper Patterson, Matthew Bailly, and both of their families were ecstatic about the reunion.
So, Trooper Patterson and his mother visited Mr. Bailly and his wife at their home where they took these photos! They all felt this story was so uplifting, it needed to be shared, and we agree! After all, as a police officer, you don’t always get a chance to have a moment like this with people you once helped in your career!