Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office administrators met with two principal investigators of the infamous Richard “Iceman” Kuklinski case to discuss strategies when it comes to undercover investigations and interagency cooperation. Kuklinski was convicted of several brutal murders carried out in the 1980s.
The MCPO members met on July 17, 2023, with Retired ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) Supervisory Special Agent Dominick Polifrone and Retired DCJ (NJ Division of Criminal Justice) Supervisory State Investigator Paul Smith. The participating investigative staff included Deputy Chief Jan Monrad, Captain Steve Brylinski, Captain Mark Castellano, Captain Joe Costello, Chief of Staff Ernie Giampietro, and Agent Bill Fox.
Polifrone and Smith recounted their experiences in stopping the string of multiple murders that have since received national and international media attention. The case was one of the most successful and noteworthy developed by the New Jersey Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force, a joint law enforcement team made up of members of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police. The Task Force was created by the Attorney General at the time, to handle major cases and utilize special techniques. It relied on State, Federal, County and Local law enforcement team building to strengthen resources and bring down master criminals and major criminal organizations in New Jersey. The successful conclusion of the “Iceman” case proved that diverse police agencies can work together and make major accomplishments, as in this case, with catching a murderous predator and penetrating organized crime.
The two retired investigators were invited to share their special techniques and tactical approach of infiltrating a master criminal’s deceptive operational pattern, and the method utilized to finally catch and convict Kuklinski, who posed a danger to law enforcement investigating his crimes.
Prosecutor Carroll led and supervised the “Iceman” investigation and later with his trial team partner, Retired Deputy Attorney General Chuck Waldron, tried and convicted Kuklinski of four, first-degree murders, and also uncovered information which provided answers in the murder of another victim.
According to Carroll, Kuklinski became infamous for his killing with cyanide, which was utilized with the specific purpose of confusing medical forensics. Another attempt at avoiding detection by Kuklinski was to murder anyone with whom he was affiliated or victimized, including freezing one of his victims for over a year and then dumping him, still partially frozen, on a New York roadside. A subsequent autopsy revealed that the victim was wearing the same clothes as the day he disappeared and was only partially decomposed. Kuklinski’s murders left bodies being found in wooded areas, motel rooms, a 55-gallon drum, and other locations, consistently with scarce forensic physical evidence, until he graphicly revealed his methods and crimes to a courageous undercover agent under the most perilous of circumstances.
During the MCPO meeting, Retired Agent Polifrone outlined the months he spent patiently infiltrating known criminal hangouts frequented by individuals who law enforcement suspected were associates of Kuklinski. Complicating Agent Polifrone’s efforts was Kuklinski systematically killing his associates to prevent them from incriminating him. One of the key elements in solving the case involved Agent Polifrone being identified as a potential source of cyanide that Kuklinski needed in order to “kill a couple of rats” that he suspected were going to cooperate with the Task Force.
In tape-recorded conversations with Agent Polifrone, Kuklinski described his diverse methods of killing and creativity in hiding the bodies. More of a concern was his ability to murder with cyanide in a spray form that could kill in just a few minutes, something that frightened even the seasoned law enforcement officer, who had to get up close to Kuklinski to capture the incriminating recording.
Agent Polifrone detailed to the MCPO how Task Force members studied Kuklinski’s criminal behavior and how he used Kuklinski’s own “cat and mouse” efforts to gain his confidence, establishing a bond of trust that enabled Kuklinski to discuss previous and planned murders. Unknown to the Task Force until later in the investigation was the fact that Kuklinski felt comfortable discussing these details as he intended to also use the purported cyanide to kill Polifrone himself, Investigator Smith, and several other criminal associates who either were going to help Kuklinski dispose of the bodies or he suspected were going to “rat” on him. Subsequent investigation indicated that Kuklinski was carrying out up to seven murder plots at the same time.
During the meeting, the MCPO Command officers asked questions and discussed how new digital equipment and tactical techniques can be combined with traditional undercover protocols to enable law enforcement to infiltrate criminal organizations that prey on our communities. Polifrone and Smith noted the “trust factor” among law enforcement agencies that bridged organizational differences, and forged a solid foundation central to the success of the “Iceman” case, in addition to Task Force operations that successfully interrupted other organized crime enterprises.
Despite the age of the “Iceman” case, some factors remain highly relevant to contemporary law enforcement, such as the post-investigation effect on undercover agents and the stress it causes officers and families, and the important role resiliency plays in retaining the best police and prosecutorial personnel.
Agent Polifrone offered his service to meet with other law enforcement agents in Morris County to provide his insight and methods to these specialized personnel, and to reassure them that despite the professional strains and pressures, such work is highly rewarding and meaningful. Agent Polifrone continues to serve the public, even in retirement.
Prosecutor Carroll also expressed his appreciation for the two undercover agents in sharing their experiences and techniques with the MCPO investigative leadership team.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Agent Polifrone demonstrated the raw courage and perseverance that gathered the evidence crucial to stopping this predator. Investigator Smith and the dozens of other investigative and legal personnel who worked on this case showed how inter-agency trust and multi-disciplinary ideas and skills can build a formidable team that will serve as a major deterrent to criminals, especially those with remorseless violent proclivities.”
Chief McNally said, “As Dominick, Paul, and the Prosecutor detailed, the communication, cooperation, and commitment to inter-agency trust that made the Iceman case so successful is also a key component present in our Morris County and municipal police law enforcement community. Our colleagues in other county, state and federal agencies all combine to form a strong bulwark to best protect our citizens and their families from criminal predators.”
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood said, “We were so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet with Dominick Polifrone and Paul Smith. Hearing about Polifrone’s extensive experience undercover with organized crime members and associates and his time spent earning the trust of Richard Kuklinksi was absolutely riveting. The task force that took down the “Iceman” worked brilliantly together. Thank you to Prosecutor Carroll, Dominick and Paul for sharing their captivating stories with us!”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Agent Polifrone and Investigator Smith were the most courageous and adept undercover operatives who doggedly investigated a savage killer. These men operated on the cutting edge of sophisticated investigative techniques and were both extremely knowledgeable of the rule of law. Prosecutor Carroll quarterbacked this investigation. He, along with Mr. Waldron, presented this case to the court and were very successful. Their efforts ensured that Kuklinski did not kill again. As for me, it was great meeting with the best of the best in the profession, somewhat like speaking with the Babe Ruth’s of police work! I am honored to call each of them friend!”