A police officer from New Jersey recently made headlines after attacking his ex-girlfriend at her home, leading to significant repercussions for his new girlfriend as well, who is now permanently barred from any law enforcement role in the state.
Rebecca Sayegh, a former officer in Toms River, entered a guilty plea on November 17 to charges that included robbery, criminal mischief, and simple assault. This plea was in response to an incident where she broke into her ex-husband’s home in Berkeley back in April, as announced by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
As a consequence of her guilty plea, Sayegh has effectively lost her job with the Toms River Township Police Department and is prohibited from holding any future public service position in New Jersey.
Before the November ruling, Sayegh had already been suspended without pay.
Prosecutors are now requesting that she serve a 180-day sentence in Ocean County Jail. She is also expected to avoid contact with the victims and pay restitution as part of her probation, according to reports.
The incident unfolded late at night on April 25, when Sayegh used a baton to smash through the front door of her ex-boyfriend’s home. Reports indicate that she charged at his new girlfriend, who was present at the residence.
The altercation escalated when Sayegh, who lived with her ex-boyfriend of five years at the time, got into a heated argument with both victims. During this confrontation, she allegedly pushed and shoved them, causing property damage within the home and even damaging a car belonging to one of the victims.
While Sayegh continued her chaotic rampage, her new partner fled to the backyard to call 911.
Later, when authorities arrived, Sayegh reportedly struggled against the officers and resisted arrest. According to reports, she even threatened to burn her ex-boyfriend’s house down while making her way down the driveway.
The damage caused by Sayegh was estimated to be around $2,000 to the home and an additional $500 to the car, as noted by prosecutors.
Despite being arrested, Sayegh was allowed to leave Ocean County Jail due to New Jersey’s bail reform guidelines. She had been with the Toms River County Police Department for nine years before her suspension without pay.
Sayegh’s sentencing is set for January 26, 2026.
This guilty plea follows her earlier lawsuit filed against the department and township claiming sexual harassment by the former Toms River Police Chief, Mitch Little, and other superiors, along with allegations of being denied promotions based on her gender.
