A claim that a small group of Orange police officers is being investigated for drug trafficking went unanswered at last night's city council meeting.

There also were no answers to questions about the department's controversial "house arrest" policy that forces sick or injured officers to stay at home and to answer the telephone when police headquarters calls to check on them.

The concerns were not addressed because neither Police Chief Robert Sorge nor Mayor Paul Monacelli, the city's police director, attended the session in city hall.

Sorge was reported to have undergone a last-minute operation. And Monacelli, according to a satement read by City Clerk Felix DeFeo, was out of town participating in the Army Reserves.

For the sixth time, an angry Councilwoman Louise Corvino said, "The chief has not shown up. It's unfortunate he scheduled a hemorrhoid operation (yesterday)."

He again has "made a complete mockery of this council. The council should form an investigative body and subpena the chief," Corvino said.

"Is he confined to his house?" Corvino questioned, referring to the house arrest policy mentioned by the Orange Kinsmen, a black officers' group, as well as by Sgts. Joseph Pagano and Chester Penta.

Rocco Zarillo, a South Center Street resident, also criticized the absence of Sorge and Monacelli.

Zarillo, the city's former director of information and complaints, stressed how he "personally" was "affronted" by reports that some police officers are under investigation for drug trafficking, and neither Sorge or Monacelli has chosen to respond.

If there were police officers "using or selling narcotics." he said, then Sorge had an obligation to arrest those persons and refer the matter to the municipal court and prosecutor's office.

Zarillo is noted for having testified in Superior Court in Essex County to help put an end to past corruption in the police department.

Speaking to the council, Zarillo said, "We're talking about narcotics here. The matter should be investigated. We got too many clean cops in this department" who are being forced "to have a stigma attached to them."

The Army Reserves sessions usually are held once a month on weekends, Zarillo said. That is why it appears "very convenient" that Monacelli had to be out of town yesterday, he said.

Councilman Dwight Mitchell, who frequently has questioned how the police handle certain crimes and investigations said, "We know what we want. We want him (Sorge) here."

But Mitchell, rather than support Corvino's suggestion or turn it into a resolution, said he preferred to wait and see if Sorge will come to a subsequent council meeting and answer the questions.

Councilman James J. Brown, noting Monacelli previously vowed Sorge would show up at last night's meeting, described the police chief's absence as "a contempt of council."

He also said the council has "exhausted remedies" to get Sorge to appear at one of its public meetings and discuss police concerns.

Unfortunately, said Lt. Charles Cobbertt, president of the Kinsmen, the only way to get things resolved is to air grievances in public.

And even then, he added, sometimes nothing is resolved. That has been the case with Monacelli's administration, Cobbertt said - it "listens to us, then turns a deaf ear."

---

“Reach Back with One Hand and Pull Someone Else Up With You.”

– Charles C. Cobbertt

Explore more of the inspiring stories of Charles C. Cobbertt.