New Jersey cops have been making headlines recently, but for all the wrong reasons. There was the heinous story of an officer assaulting a Domino's manager and another kicking a handcuffed man in the head.
Now, there's a questionable traffic stop in Burlington County to add to their growing list of transgressions.
According to The Asbury Park Press, New Jersey State Police officers Joesph Drew and Andrew Whitmore searched a man's anus and genital area after claiming they smelled marijuana on his person. In a newly released bodycam video, driver Jack Levine is seen being violated by the two officers, who were unable to find any marijuana. Levine was ultimately issued a ticket for tailgating.
Levine claims the intrusive search violated his rights and intends to pursue legal action against the officers. "It was the most humiliating experience I've ever been through, also due to the fact people were driving by very slowly, watching him with his hand down my pants," he said in his tort claim.
The exchange between Levine and the officers was broadcast on New Jersey 101.5, and can be seen below.
"Did you find it? Did you find it? Yo, you guys are really ridiculous," Levine can be heard telling the officers. "You might as well ask me on a (expletive) date."
The disturbing video arrives at a pivotal moment for New Jersey, as it wrestles with whether or not to legalize marijuana. Gov. Phil Murphy is planning to sign a bill at the end of the year, which would theoretically make incidents like this one a thing of the past.
