Gloucester County official facing prostitution allegations dies
A longtime Trenton police officer and former mayor in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, died Wednesday following allegations he had brought a prostitute into a police building.
A longtime Trenton police officer and former mayor in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, died Wednesday following allegations he had brought a prostitute into a police building.
The Trentonian, which reported the allegations and identified Ed Leopardi, said he had committed suicide at his home.
Township officials confirmed his death and said they had canceled a committee meeting Wednesday evening out of respect for his family.
"We ask that all residents of Franklin Township take this time to mourn Ed's passing and to take time to express their personal condolences to Ed's wife, Rene, and their family," a statement from the township committee said.
Leopardi was elected to the committee in 2013, and served as mayor last year before serving again as a committee member.
The Gloucester County Democratic Committee, on its website, lauded Leopardi, saying he "roots out waste and abuse in township government and enforces strict fiscal discipline." It also listed Leopardi's cell number and a short statement from Leopardi, who encouraged people to call the number and said, "I'm here when you need me."
The number listed went to voice mail Wednesday, and his family could not be reached. According to the Democratic Committee website, Leopardi has three children and was a former Little League coach and umpire.
He served on Trenton's police force for more than 20 years.
Reports surfaced this week, first on 6ABC, that a K-9 officer was the focus of an investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. The office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday, nor did the Trenton Police Department.
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