A New Jersey police sergeant, who also has a history as a former Democratic mayor, is now facing a series of serious charges. He is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a minor he reportedly met through an online platform, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sergeant Andrew LaBruno, 44, of the Jersey City Police Department, was taken into custody on Monday. He faces charges including aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child, as announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

The incident allegedly took place earlier that same day at a residence in Englewood, New Jersey, as stated by authorities.

Investigations suggest that LaBruno initiated contact with the minor via a social media application. He reportedly arranged a meeting and visited the victim’s home when they were alone.

Andrew LaBruno, a Jersey City police sergeant and former Democratic state legislature candidate, stands accused of these grave offenses, according to New Jersey prosecutors. (Photo: Andrew LaBruno/Facebook)

A criminal complaint viewed by The New York Post said that LaBruno sprayed “an unknown substance into his hand” before “placing it over the victim’s mouth and nose, causing the victim dizziness.”

The complaint said the victim became “physically helpless” from being drugged, at which point LaBruno allegedly carried out the sexual assault, according to the report.

It’s unclear who called 911, but responding officers found the victim suffering from “cognitive impairment” inside the home, the complaint states.

Andrew LaBruno has been employed with the Jersey City Police Department for nearly 26 years, according to his 2025 campaign website for state assemblyman. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

Authorities said LaBruno was taken into custody after investigators determined they had probable cause, based on statements made at the scene — captured on body camera — and corroborating physical evidence.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. 

LaBruno, a 26-year veteran of the Jersey City police, ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the state Assembly in New Jersey’s 39th District earlier this month.
He previously served on the Dumont Borough Council and was mayor of Dumont from 2020 to 2023.

Jersey City police Sgt. Andrew LaBruno, 44, ran as a Democrat to represent District 39 in the New Jersey General Assembly, but lost in the election on Nov. 5. (Andrew LaBruno/Facebook)

Prior to his recent political campaign, LaBruno served on Dumont’s Borough Council in 2018 and as the mayor of Dumont from January 2020 to December 2023.

He is currently being held without bail in the Bergen County Jail. The Jersey City Police Department has suspended him without pay, according to local outlets.

LaBruno, who is married with two children, has also been involved in coaching youth sports through Dumont Recreation, according to his campaign website.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Jersey City Mayor’s Office and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, but did not hear back by time of publication.