N.J. Police Sergeant and Former Assembly Candidate Accused of Sexually Assaulting Minor Met Through Social Media

A police sergeant and New Jersey state Assembly candidate is accused of sexually assaulting an online child they met. The allegations shocked local political and law enforcement because the accused held public office and a long-term uniform position.

After a brief investigation, 44-year-old former Dumont mayor and Jersey City Police sergeant Andrew LaBruno was arrested on Monday. After prosecutors learned an adult hurt a minor they met on social media, the investigation began. Investigators quickly identified LaBruno as the suspect.

Officials say the child was new to LaBruno. He started the social media conversation and earned the minor’s trust, say investigators. He assaulted the child alone at their Englewood home, according to authorities.

A probable cause affidavit describes a disturbing sequence. According to prosecutors, LaBruno paralyzed the child by spraying his hand and covering his mouth and nose. The juvenile later said he couldn’t move or fight back during the attack. Bergen County prosecutors charged due to these allegations.

New Jersey’s worst crimes—aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and child endangerment—are charged against LaBruno. His arrest will keep him in Bergen County Jail until a detention hearing decides whether to stay until trial.

After the charges, Jersey City Police placed LaBruno on unpaid leave. An Internal Affairs investigation and criminal case have begun, a department spokesperson said. The results will determine his job status, they said.

LaBruno was famous pre-arrest. He ran for the 39th Legislative District seat in the New Jersey Assembly as a Democrat a few weeks after being mayor of Dumont. His running partner and he lost a close race this month.

Officials advise the public to allow the investigation and court proceedings. Attorneys may reveal more.

Sources:
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
Jersey City Police Department