In a shocking turn of events, a retired top police officer has found himself in the center of controversy after assisting Nadine Arslanian, the wife of Senator Bob Menendez, in leaving the scene of a fatal car crash back in December 2018. Michael Mordaga, a former director of Hackensack police and ex-chief of detectives in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, reportedly arrived at the scene within minutes of the tragic incident in Bogota, New Jersey.
The incident took place on a cold December night when Nadine Arslanian’s black Mercedes collided with Richard Koop, leading to his untimely demise. What followed has raised eyebrows and ignited debate about preferential treatment and potential misconduct.
Witnesses and dashcam footage revealed a disturbing sequence of events. Notably, Arslanian declined to have her cellphone searched and appeared to be hesitant in cooperating with the authorities. Moreover, it was reported that she did not call 911 until officers were already present at the scene, and even then, she provided them with an incorrect location for the crash.
One witness claimed that she mentioned calling someone for help but did not seem to express concern for the victim. The circumstances surrounding the crash have since become a focal point in the sweeping bribery and corruption charges brought against both Arslanian and Senator Menendez.
The aftermath of the collision was marked by a series of questionable decisions. Arslanian was dating both Senator Menendez and her long-term boyfriend, Douglas Anton, an attorney who later represented R. Kelly in his sex-trafficking trial. The collision on that fateful night eventually led to the legal troubles that have engulfed the couple.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that Arslanian texted Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman indicted in the bribery scheme, about the loss of her car. Hana allegedly provided her with a brand-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible, valued at $60,000, just one month after the crash.
The revelation of Arslanian’s role in Koop’s death only emerged recently, thanks to dashcam footage and records released by the Bogota Police Department. These records, in conjunction with witness statements, cast a shadow of doubt over the events that transpired that night.
Arslanian’s behavior, as depicted in the footage, is puzzling at best. She initially agreed to allow the police to search her phone but abruptly changed her mind, citing a desire to have an attorney present. She maintained her innocence, even claiming that the victim had “jumped on my windshield.”
Furthermore, the involvement of Michael Mordaga, the retired top cop, raises additional questions. Mordaga, who arrived at the scene, appeared to have a connection to Arslanian, though he denied knowing her personally. He explained that he was doing a favor for a friend who was acquainted with her. This favor seemingly involved helping Arslanian retrieve her belongings from the wrecked vehicle.
The actions of Mordaga and the handling of the entire incident have prompted allegations of preferential treatment and raised concerns about possible misconduct within law enforcement circles. Critics argue that this case underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
As the legal proceedings against Senator Menendez and Nadine Arslanian continue, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the events of that December night in Bogota. The role of a retired top cop, the actions of the parties involved, and the tragic outcome of the collision all serve as stark reminders of the complexities and controversies that can arise in high-profile cases.
