A Rutgers University Police Officer is facing a number of charges after he allegedly pulled a gun on his roommate in their Ocean Township home on multiple occasions over several months.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni announced Monday that William Tartis, 27, of Ocean Township, is charged with second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree aggravated assault.

Tartis was arrested following a joint investigation by the MCPO and Ocean Township Police  where they learned that since the summer he routinely pointed a shotgun and a handgun at his roommate in their residence.

Tartis would pretend to shoot his roommate with the barrel of a firearm pointed at the roommate.

He would also on occasion point a firearm at his roommate and request rent money or instruct his roommate to turn down the volume on the television.

Tartis is also being charged with domestic violence harassment regarding a second victim, a female that had recently been in a relationship with Tartis.

Ten firearms were seized from Tartis’ residence including his duty weapon.

He began his employment with the Rutgers University Police Department on January 7, 2020 and is currently suspended without pay from his post at the University.

“William Tartis’ actions, as alleged, are horrendous and do not reflect upon the excellent work of the members of the Rutgers University Police Department. Upon notification, our internal affairs bureau fully cooperated with the investigating agencies and Mr. Tartis has been suspended without pay,” Rutgers University Executive Director of Public Safety, Chief Kenneth Cop said in an MCPO statement.

Tartis had his first appearance in court with the next court date being a pre-indictment conference scheduled for December 24, 2020.

Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective John Sosdian at 1-800-533-7443 or Ocean Township Police Department Detective Jesse Orbach at 732-531-1800.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android - https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

If convicted of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Tartis faces a sentence of five to ten years in a New Jersey state prison.

If convicted of aggravated assault, he faces up to 18 months in state prison.

The domestic violence harassment charge is a petty disorderly persons offense.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Vin
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