William F. Turbett III, 30, forfeited his position as a officer along with the right to ever again seek public employment in New Jersey as part of his plea.
William F. Turbett III (LinkedIn) LINDEN -- The Linden police sergeant who was busted for selling marijuana pleaded guilty this morning and has forfeited his job, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced.
William F. Turbett III, 30, pleaded guilty to a single count of fourth-degree distribution of marijuana, Park said. Turbett is the son of Linden Capt. William Turbett Jr. and is a seven-year veteran of the department.
A "small amount" of marijuana was seized when a search warrant was executed on Turbett's Sayreville home by members of the Union County Prosecutor's Office's Guns, Gangs, Drugs, and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Sayreville Police Department Narcotics Unit, Park said.
As part of his plea, Turbett forfeited his position as an officer along with the right to ever again seek public employment in New Jersey. He earned a salary of $105,693 in 2015, according to state records.
"While it is a shame that a young man has placed himself in this position, the Linden Police Department is pleased that this matter has come to a quick conclusion," Linden Police Chief James Schulhafer said. "It is time for our department to move forward in a positive way. Just yesterday, a young man rammed several police vehicles, putting officers and civilians in the path of physical harm. The unspoken heroics of our men and women in blue is what makes me most proud. This police administration continues to work diligently to employ exemplary men and women to serve and protect our residents."
Turbett had been suspended from duty without pay for an unrelated matter prior to when the charges were filed. The Linden Police Department cooperated with the Prosecutor's Office during the course of its investigation, Park said.
Turbett's girlfriend, Nicolette Hendrickson, 22, of Sayreville, was also at Turbett's home during the bust and was charged with disorderly-persons possession of marijuana.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for July 22 before state Superior Court Judge Frederic McDaniel.
Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.