Three Paterson police officers were arrested on Monday for allegedly covering up for a New York City officer, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Giuseppe Ciarla, 42, of Paterson; Juan Cruz-Fernandez, 29, of Paterson; and Justin Schmid, 34, of Vernon, have been charged with second-degree official misconduct, conspiracy to commit official misconduct, and hindering the apprehension of another.

Cruz-Fernandez was additionally charged with third-degree tampering with public records or information.

All three were arrested in Totowa by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Public Integrity Unit.

On December 10, 2022, the three police officers were dispatched to a domestic violence incident at around 3:05 a.m.

Upon arrival, the officers found the victim had visible injuries to her face, authorities said. The alleged suspect, Hariton Marachilian, identified himself as a captain of the New York City Police Department.

Authorities said the officers did not sufficiently investigate the incident. The three officers did not conduct a thorough investigation into the origins of the victim’s injuries. Additionally, they failed to administer or secure medical treatment for the victim’s injuries. There was also a notable lack of effort in searching for or gathering physical evidence.

The officers allowed Marachilian to leave the scene without detaining him or pressing any charges related to domestic violence at that time, authorities said.

Authorities said a police report of the incident stated “[b]oth parties said there was no dating relationship.” This despite Marachilian stating that he and the woman were in a what can be construed as a relationship under domestic violence law, authorities said. The police report also stated, “there was no evidence of domestic violence.”

Marachilian was subsequently arrested and charged, authorities said. He was indicted by a grand jury on February 20, 2024 on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault, criminal restraint, and criminal coercion.