Conlon enters pretrial intervention program

Councilman Matthew Conlon agreed to enter a pretrial intervention program that, if successfully completed, would result in the dismissal of the fourth-degree criminal sexual contact charge pending against him, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

“He appeared (Friday, June 27) and entered the pretrial intervention program for 12 months,” said Jennifer Fetterman, chief assistant prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit. “It is a diversionary program that requires him to comply with probation and other things.

“If he complies for 12 months, the charge will be dismissed. If he were to violate the program, the charge against him would be activated again.”

Mayor Michele Dale said Conlon remains an active member of the Township Council because he has not been found guilty of a crime.

“Our legal counsel advised that in legal terms, an individual maintains the presumption of innocence as long as they complete the program,” she said. “We were also advised that the governing body does not have legal cause to remove someone from office who has entered a pretrial intervention program.”

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in state prison.

On Feb. 4, 2024, police received a report that Conlon touched the intimate part of an adult victim in an unwelcome and inappropriate manner in a home in West Milford.

He was elected to the council in 2022. His term expires at the end of this year. He did not file to run for re-election.

When asked to comment, Conlon declined.