Salem County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Cody L. Henderson was arrested and charged on Tuesday with official misconduct and tampering with public records. According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the charges stem from allegations that Henderson falsified training records for himself and other officers, claiming they completed mandatory firearms qualifications that never occurred.
### Charges Filed Against Sgt. Cody L. Henderson
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office officially charged Henderson, 43, of Woodstown, following an investigation into the integrity of the Salem County Sheriff’s Office training documentation. The charges include second-degree official misconduct and third-degree tampering with public records.
Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2023, Henderson—who served as a range master for the department—submitted reports to the Police Training Commission (PTC) falsely stating that he and several subordinates had successfully completed the required annual firearms qualification. Under New Jersey law, failure to complete these qualifications would legally disqualify an officer from carrying a service weapon.
### Legal Implications and Departmental Response
The investigation, conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), focuses on the administrative breach of public trust. If convicted of second-degree official misconduct, Henderson faces a potential sentence of five to 10 years in New Jersey state prison. The third-degree tampering charge carries a maximum penalty of three to five years.
The Salem County Sheriff’s Office has not released a statement regarding Henderson’s current employment status, but the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains active. The case is being prosecuted by the OPIA Corruption Bureau.
### Training Requirements for New Jersey Law Enforcement
In New Jersey, all sworn law enforcement officers are required to undergo rigorous, recurring firearms training to maintain their certification. The Police Training Commission mandates specific standards for accuracy and safety, requiring documentation to be submitted annually.
When an officer falsifies these records, they undermine the legal framework designed to ensure that those carrying weapons are proficient in their use. This case highlights the role of the OPIA in policing internal department records to prevent unauthorized or unqualified personnel from performing law enforcement duties.
### Current Status of the Investigation
Henderson was processed and released pending a future court appearance. As of the latest update from the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation into whether other department members were involved or were aware of the falsified records is ongoing. The case serves as a point of scrutiny for administrative oversight within county-level law enforcement agencies in the state.