Second-degree crimes in New Jersey carry up to 10 years in state prison, reflecting the potential severity of these charges.

The case’s second-degree charges carry a maximum penalty of a decade in prison, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.

A Hammonton police sergeant, Robert Zbikowski, was indicted on charges including official misconduct, theft, evidence tampering, obstruction, and a pattern of misconduct related to missing and altered drugs from the department’s evidence room.

Surveillance from mid-February 2024 allegedly shows Zbikowski tampering with two logged and secured evidence bags suspected to contain methamphetamine.

The indictment covers tampering with or removing narcotics from the evidence room between October 2023 and February 2024, following a failed routine drug screen in February 2024.

Unrelated promotional content and items are present in the broader report but are not part of the criminal case narrative.

The article notes that charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Robinson serves as the state’s representative in the case.

The investigation was conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, including its Professional Standards and Accountability Unit, and authorities are seeking tips from the public.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Major Crime Unit at (609) 909-7666 or use Crime Stoppers to provide tips.

Contact information for tips has been provided to gather additional information about the case.

Historical context notes Zbikowski and Chase once appeared in promotional materials and community events, connected to a seized Cadillac used in anti-drug messaging in 2019.