BERGEN COUNTY, NJ - A police sergeant and former Democratic mayor is facing several disturbing charges after he allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted a child he met online, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.
On Monday, November 17, 44-year-old Jersey City police Sgt. Andrew LaBruno, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Fox News reported. The alleged assault occurred earlier that day at a home in Englewood, New Jersey.
Investigators allege that LaBruno contacted a juvenile on a social media app, arranged a meeting and then went to the victim's home while they were alone. A criminal complaint reviewed by the New York Post said that LaBruno sprayed "an unknown substance into his hand" before "placing it over the victim's mouth and nose, causing the victim dizziness."
The victim became "physically helpless" from being drugged, at which point LaBruno carried out the sexual assault, according to the criminal complaint. It is unclear who called 911, but responding officers found the victim suffering from "cognitive impairment" inside the home.
LaBruno was taken into custody after investigators determined they had probable cause based on statements made at the scene, captured on body camera and corroborating physical evidence. He is currently being held without bail in the Bergen County Jail. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
LaBruno, a 26-year veteran of the Jersey City police, ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the state Assembly in New Jersey's 39th District earlier this month. He previously served on the Dumont Borough Council and was mayor of Dumont from 2020 to 2023.
LaBruno is married with two children and has been involved in coaching youth sports through Dumont Recreation. "He was suspended without pay immediately following his arrest," Kim Wallace-Scalcione, the Jersey City mayor's office press secretary said in a statement.
She also said that the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) "will assist the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office as needed during its criminal investigation. As is standard procedure, JCPD Internal Affairs is conducting its own investigation and will determine his final employment status pending the outcome of all investigations."
On Monday, November 17, 44-year-old Jersey City police Sgt. Andrew LaBruno, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Fox News reported. The alleged assault occurred earlier that day at a home in Englewood, New Jersey.
Investigators allege that LaBruno contacted a juvenile on a social media app, arranged a meeting and then went to the victim's home while they were alone. A criminal complaint reviewed by the New York Post said that LaBruno sprayed "an unknown substance into his hand" before "placing it over the victim's mouth and nose, causing the victim dizziness."
The victim became "physically helpless" from being drugged, at which point LaBruno carried out the sexual assault, according to the criminal complaint. It is unclear who called 911, but responding officers found the victim suffering from "cognitive impairment" inside the home.
LaBruno was taken into custody after investigators determined they had probable cause based on statements made at the scene, captured on body camera and corroborating physical evidence. He is currently being held without bail in the Bergen County Jail. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
LaBruno, a 26-year veteran of the Jersey City police, ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the state Assembly in New Jersey's 39th District earlier this month. He previously served on the Dumont Borough Council and was mayor of Dumont from 2020 to 2023.
LaBruno is married with two children and has been involved in coaching youth sports through Dumont Recreation. "He was suspended without pay immediately following his arrest," Kim Wallace-Scalcione, the Jersey City mayor's office press secretary said in a statement.
She also said that the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) "will assist the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office as needed during its criminal investigation. As is standard procedure, JCPD Internal Affairs is conducting its own investigation and will determine his final employment status pending the outcome of all investigations."
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