MOUNT HOLLY, NJ -- A former police officer accused of having a moonlight tryst with a group of cows will not be facing animal cruelty charges after all.
As it turns out bestiality is not a crime in New Jersey.
Former Moorestown police officer Robert Melia Jr. was charged last year with sexually assaulting three girls.
During the investigation, police say they found a video in the man's home that showed him sexually molesting cows.
According to prosecutors, Melia Jr. dropped his trousers and let the animals taste his genitals on a Southhampton farm in 2006.
Superior Court Judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to jurors that proved that Melia's alleged actions in fact tormented the cows.
"I'm not saying it's okay," Judge Morley said in court after dismissing the charges.
"This is a legal question for me. It's not a question of morals."
Melia and former girlfriend Heather Lewis remain charged with molesting the three girls
As it turns out bestiality is not a crime in New Jersey.
Former Moorestown police officer Robert Melia Jr. was charged last year with sexually assaulting three girls.
During the investigation, police say they found a video in the man's home that showed him sexually molesting cows.
According to prosecutors, Melia Jr. dropped his trousers and let the animals taste his genitals on a Southhampton farm in 2006.
Superior Court Judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to jurors that proved that Melia's alleged actions in fact tormented the cows.
"I'm not saying it's okay," Judge Morley said in court after dismissing the charges.
"This is a legal question for me. It's not a question of morals."
Melia and former girlfriend Heather Lewis remain charged with molesting the three girls
