Judge: Bestiality Legal In New Jersey

Animal cruelty charges have been dropped against a former New Jersey police officer because bestiality is not a crime in the state.

Former Moorestown, N.J.  police officer Robert Melia Jr. was charged in April 2008 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 in 2006.

At thta time, investigators would not provide the exact location of the crimes to FOX 29 News, but they did confirm that all of the alleged incidents occurred between June and December 2006 in Southampton Township.

Four charges of animal cruelty were filed against Melia. At the time, Judge John Almedia raised Melia's bail to $510,000.

Judge James Morley ruled Wednesday that prosecutors did not present enough evidence to jurors that Melia's alleged actions tormented the animals on a Southampton farm.

The judge made clear that he doesn't think the alleged action is OK.

Melia and former girlfriend Heather Lewis remain charged with molesting the three girls.