A New Jersey State Police Sergeant and former Democratic Mayor, Andrew LaBruno, was arrested on Monday, facing serious charges including aggravated sexual assault, sexual battery, and endangering the welfare of a child.
LaBruno is alleged to have drugged and assaulted a child he met through a social media platform, according to a report from a Jersey City Police Sergeant.
Details from a criminal complaint reveal that LaBruno reportedly visited the child’s home in Inglewood, New Jersey, where he “sprayed an unknown substance on his hands,” which he then placed over the child’s mouth and nose, making the victim dizzy.
This 44-year-old married father of two, who previously served as the mayor of Dumont, then sexually assaulted the child, who was under the influence of drugs and “physically helpless,” as stated in the complaint.
The alleged incident took place on Monday when the two were alone in the child’s home.
Law enforcement received a 911 call and found the victim with signs of “cognitive impairment.” The child was subsequently taken to a local hospital for medical care.
Authorities indicated they had enough probable cause to apprehend LaBruno, referencing statements recorded by his body camera at the scene and accounts from the victim, along with “supporting physical evidence,” as per the complaint.
Kim Wallace-Scalcione, Press Secretary for the Jersey City Mayor’s Office, mentioned that LaBruno was “suspended without pay immediately following his arrest,” and added that the Jersey City Police Department would assist the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office during the investigation.
“As is standard procedure, the JCPD Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting its own inquiry and will wait for the outcome of all investigations to clarify his employment status,” Wallace-Scalcione noted.
LaBruno remains at the Bergen County Jail without bail and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
