A chilling betrayal of trust has unfolded in New Jersey, with a veteran police sergeant now accused of a horrific crime. Andrew LaBruno, 44, a Jersey City officer and former mayor, faces multiple charges stemming from an alleged sexual assault on a child.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office reports that LaBruno was arrested Monday, charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. The alleged attack occurred earlier that same day, within the confines of a home in Englewood, New Jersey.
Investigators allege LaBruno initiated contact with a juvenile through a social media application, meticulously arranging a private meeting. He then traveled to the victim’s home while they were alone, a calculated act that would lead to devastating consequences.
According to a criminal complaint, LaBruno sprayed an unidentified substance into his hand, then forcibly applied it to the victim’s mouth and nose. The victim immediately experienced dizziness, a precursor to a terrifying loss of control.
The complaint details how the victim became “physically helpless” after being drugged, at which point the alleged sexual assault took place. This deliberate incapacitation paints a disturbing picture of premeditation and abuse of power.
Responding officers arrived to find the victim suffering from significant “cognitive impairment” inside the home. It remains unclear who initiated the 911 call that brought help, but the scene they encountered was one of profound vulnerability and trauma.
LaBruno was taken into custody after investigators established probable cause, relying on compelling statements captured on body camera footage and corroborating physical evidence. The evidence gathered at the scene quickly focused suspicion on the officer.
The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment and support. The long road to recovery will undoubtedly be arduous, requiring extensive care and compassion.
LaBruno, a 26-year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department, recently concluded an unsuccessful campaign for the state Assembly. Prior to this, he served as mayor of Dumont from 2020 to 2023, and on the Dumont Borough Council.
His past involvement in local government and youth sports coaching – through Dumont Recreation – now casts a dark shadow over his previously public life. The contrast between his community roles and the accusations he faces is stark and unsettling.
Currently, LaBruno is being held without bail in the Bergen County Jail. The Jersey City Police Department has swiftly suspended him without pay, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.
Married with two children, LaBruno now faces a future irrevocably altered by these accusations. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, shattering perceptions of trust and safety.
