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N.J. police officer suspended after allegedly masturbating inside a Starbucks

Lt. Benito Gonzalez Jr. was removed from duty and charged with a disorderly persons lewdness offense.

By Evan Bleier
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CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 21 (UPI) -- A New Jersey police officer has been removed from duty after he was accused of masturbating inside of a Starbucks while he was off the clock.

Camden County Police Lt. Benito Gonzalez Jr. has been charged with a disorderly persons lewdness offense after an employee from one of the chain's locations in Cherry Hill contacted authorities.

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During the incident, Gonzalez allegedly pulled down his shorts while sitting at a table and exposed himself while "knowing or reasonably expecting that the act was likely to be observed by a non-consenting person who likely would be affronted or alarmed," the Daily Journal reported.

Gonzalez was arrested after his picture was posted on the police department's Facebook page.

"We are deeply troubled by the allegations of this off-duty conduct. A swift and thorough investigation is being conducted," Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson said in a statement. "We are working to ascertain all of the facts in this matter with Cherry Hill Police Department and the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. The officer has been removed from duty and suspended without pay."

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