Jersey City Police Sergeant and Former Mayor Arrested for Alleged Child Sexual Assault
A New Jersey police sergeant and former Democratic mayor is facing serious charges after allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a child he met online. Jersey City police Sgt. Andrew LaBruno, 44, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child in Englewood, New Jersey. LaBruno is accused of contacting a juvenile on a social media app, arranging a meeting, and assaulting the victim at their home.
According to a criminal complaint, LaBruno allegedly drugged the victim by spraying an unknown substance into his hand and placing it over the victim's mouth and nose, causing dizziness. The victim became physically helpless and was sexually assaulted by LaBruno. Responding officers found the victim suffering from cognitive impairment in the home, leading to LaBruno's arrest based on probable cause and corroborating evidence.
LaBruno, a 26-year veteran of the Jersey City police, had recently run for the state Assembly in New Jersey's 39th District as a Democrat. He previously served on the Dumont Borough Council and was the mayor of Dumont from 2020 to 2023. LaBruno is currently held without bail in the Bergen County Jail and has been suspended without pay by the Jersey City Police Department. He is married with two children and has been involved in coaching youth sports through Dumont Recreation.
The case involving LaBruno is a disturbing and serious matter that has led to his arrest and suspension from the police department. The allegations of drugging and assaulting a child are deeply concerning, and the legal process will determine the outcome of this case. The authorities are actively investigating the incident, and the victim is receiving necessary medical treatment.