In April 2020, Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler responded to allegations suggesting a cover-up regarding a sheriff’s officer’s positive COVID-19 test. A local radio host reported that Scheffler delayed informing the department about the officer’s hospitalization, potentially exposing others.

Sheriff Scheffler refuted these claims, stating that upon learning of the officer’s illness, the department promptly notified all personnel and relevant health authorities. He emphasized that the officer had not been stationed at either of the county’s courthouses in the weeks prior to falling ill. Scheffler criticized the report for lacking verification and causing unnecessary alarm during a critical time

The sheriff also outlined measures implemented to safeguard department members, including dividing staff into platoons to minimize potential exposure and conducting regular health assessments. He expressed disappointment that the radio host did not reach out for comment before publishing the allegations, suggesting that such an inquiry would have prevented the spread of misinformation.

Please note that information is based on reports from April 2020, and the situation may have evolved since then.