Cop resigns after allegedly stealing oxycodone, authorities say

Joseph DiCarolis, 39, of Carneys Point, was charged with possession of oxycodone and theft of prescription narcotics.

PENNS GROVE -- An 11-year police veteran was charged Monday for allegedly stealing drugs and has since resigned from the Penns Grove Police Department, according to authorities.

Joseph DiCarolis (file photo by Lori Nichols) 

Joseph DiCarolis, 39, of Carneys Point, allegedly stole six oxycodone pills on May 16, said the Salem County Prosecutor's Office. The charges were the result of an internal affairs investigation that began at the department and was transferred over to the prosecutor's office.

DiCarolis was charged with possession of oxycodone without a lawful prescription and two counts of theft of prescription narcotics. The Salem County Prosecutor's Office served DiCarolis around 2:30 p.m Monday.

DiCarolis did not have drugs on him at the time of his arrest and was released pending a future court appearance. The Salem County Prosecutor's Office did not go into detail about the theft or where the pills came from.

DiCarolis was honored during this year's Salem County Law Enforcement Recognition Awards Ceremony for helping to save a baby's life on May 23, 2015 after the mother gave birth into a toilet. Penns Grove Police Department Officer Christopher Hemple and Sgt. John Stranahan were also honored with the Life Saving Award for helping save the baby's life.