Today, Sergeant First Class Nadir Nassry, 47, assigned to Totowa Station, has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. Nassry has been a trooper for 25 years. Additionally, Trooper Joseph Ventrella, 28, assigned to the Troop B Tactical Patrol Unit, has been suspended without pay. He has been on the force for 6 years.

The Totowa Station Commander has been immediately transferred until any potential involvement on his part has been determined.

“We will not tolerate any conduct by a member of the State Police that puts the public in jeopardy, as this unauthorized caravan had the potential to do,” said Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa. “We are thoroughly investigating this incident, and those responsible will face serious discipline. The mission of the New Jersey State Police is to ensure the safety and security of the people of New Jersey, and the overwhelming majority of troopers nobly and responsibly fulfill their duties. We will not let the acts of a few tarnish the entire force.”

“The acts indicated during the early stages of this investigation are squarely against the principles of the New Jersey State Police. As troopers, we cannot require the public to obey laws that we are not willing to uphold for everyone equally. I will not tolerate this egregious breach of public safety and those responsible will be held fully accountable,” said Colonel Joseph R. Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

At this time, there have been no charges or motor vehicle summonses issued regarding this incident.

A prior escort was discovered during the internal investigation and a separate investigation has been initiated regarding that incident. It is not yet clear whether the two are related.