Bodycam released in response to a Facebook post of a misconduct claim on officer of an injured deer

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Waretown, NJ - Police Chief Michal J. Rogalski has released body-worn camera footage (scroll to the bottom of this story to see the video) after a Facebook post accused an Ocean Township patrolman of misconduct during a response to an injured deer, prompting an internal review and a public statement from the department.

The Facebook post, shared widely on a local community page, claimed that Patrolman Russell Moller acted aggressively, yelled at residents who had stopped to assist the injured animal, and showed “no compassion.” The post also referred to the officer as a “cocky young cop” and compared him to the “Gestapo,” comments that drew strong reaction from residents online.

Chief Rogalski said the department became aware of the post on the night of November 23 and immediately initiated a review. That included interviewing officers involved, examining CAD records and written reports, and “carefully” reviewing the officer’s body-camera footage.

“Because of the seriousness of these statements, and because they call into question both the integrity and professionalism of not only the officer but of this police department, I feel it is necessary to address the matter openly,” Rogalski said in a statement released Tuesday.

Rogalski said the department’s findings “differ significantly” from the version of events described on Facebook. He authorized the release of the full video, saying he wanted residents “to compare the claims made on social media with the actual events as they occurred.”

The chief also defended Moller, calling him an officer known for kindness and professionalism.

“For those who know Patrolman Moller, you know him as the kind of officer who would give you the shirt off his back, bring you a cup of coffee on a cold morning, or wear a donut costume on Halloween just to make kids smile,” Rogalski said.

Rogalski strongly condemned the language used in the social media post. “To call him a ‘cocky young cop’ or compare him, or in fact any member of this department, to the Gestapo is not only inaccurate, it is deeply offensive,” he said. “These words carry historical weight and should never be used casually.”