The chief of the Englishtown Police Department is facing criminal charges after being accused of illegally using a law enforcement database and helping another person commit thefts, authorities said.

Between February 2019 and August 2023, Englishtown Police Chief Peter S. Cooke, 58, used the database to look up information about two people outside the scope of the police investigation, the Monmouth County prosecutor said in a tuesday announcement.

And while on administrative leave for an undisclosed purpose, Cooke is accused of assisting an unidentified co-conspirator in several thefts from a local grocery store, the office said.

The bureau has not released any other details about the investigation or Cooke’s alleged crimes.

Cooke was charged earlier this month with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting and has pending court proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court, officials said.

English Mayor Daniel Francisco said the borough became aware of the allegations against Cooke on Nov. 1 and that the borough played no role in the investigation or those allegations because they originated outside the municipality.

The mayor said Cooke will be suspended without pay while the case goes to trial.

“Pending these charges, the police department will remain under the leadership of Lt. Trevor Martinson — who has done an outstanding job building relationships in the community and leading his team,” Francisco said. “I have complete confidence in Lt. Martinson and his continued leadership.”

Cooke has an annual salary of $128,540, according to online records.

His attorney, Debbie Simon, could not immediately be reached for comment.