N.J. Police Chief Is Convicted of Insurance Fraud, Faces Prison Term

May 18, 2012

Hackensack Police Chief Ken Zisa faces up to 45 years in prison after a jury convicted him of insurance fraud and official misconduct.

After deliberating three days, the panel on Wednesday found Zisa filed a false insurance report and became involved in two investigations involving his former girlfriend.

Jurors acquitted the 58-year-old of conspiracy and witness tampering.

The Record newspaper reports Zisa faces a minimum prison sentence of 23 years, with no parole for 15 years. Authorities are also seeking to remove him from office and the forfeiture of his pension.

Zisa’s attorney plans to appeal. Zisa was police chief for 15 years and was a state assemblyman for 8 years. Members of his family held the top elected and appointed positions in Hackensack for decades.