MAYS LANDING, N.J. — A Northfield police officer has been arrested and charged with official misconduct following an investigation into allegations that he improperly accessed a national criminal justice database while employed by the department.
Malachi Valentine, 25, of Pleasantville, was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 23, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
Valentine faces charges of second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, third-degree computer criminal activity and petty disorderly persons harassment.
According to prosecutors, an investigation determined that Valentine allegedly used the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database for purposes outside the scope of his employment with the Northfield Police Department.
The alleged improper use dates back to his appointment to the department in 2023.
Alleged Misuse of Law Enforcement Database
The NCIC database is a national criminal justice information system maintained by the FBI that provides authorized law enforcement personnel with access to information used in criminal investigations and other official duties.
The system contains records involving wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property and other law enforcement information.
Access to the database is restricted to authorized users for legitimate criminal justice purposes.
Prosecutors allege Valentine accessed the system for reasons unrelated to his official responsibilities as a Northfield police officer.
The prosecutor's office did not disclose what information Valentine allegedly accessed, how many unauthorized searches may have occurred or whether the alleged activity involved specific individuals.
Authorities also did not provide additional details about the harassment charge or explain how it relates to the alleged database misuse.
Officer Released Following Arrest
Valentine was taken into custody Wednesday and subsequently released on a complaint-summons.
The criminal investigation was conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Professional Standards Unit.
The prosecutor's office did not provide information about Valentine's current employment status with the Northfield Police Department or whether he has been suspended or placed on administrative leave.
No court appearance date was announced in the release.
Prosecutor's Office Seeks Information
Anyone with information regarding serious crimes is encouraged to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office at 609-909-7800.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the prosecutor's office website at ACPO.Tips.
The charges against Valentine are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
