Andrew LaBruno

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

New harrowing details have come to light in an alleged sex assault carried out on a child by a former New Jersey mayor and current police officer.

** WARNING: The following news story contains graphic information that many may find disturbing. **

Former Dumont mayor Andrew LaBruno sprayed an "unknown substance" into his hand before covering the juvenile victim's mouth and nose, causing dizziness, according ot a newly-released criminal complaint charging the 44-year-old Jersey City police sergeant.

LaBruno, a married father or two, then allegedly made the victim perform oral sex on him, according to the complaint.

LaBruno, who earlier this month lost his bid for state assembly, began chatting with the juvenile, a complete stranger, on a social media app and made arrangements to meet, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. 

Andrew LaBruno 

Andrew LaBruno 

Bergen County Prosecutor's Office

He went to the child's home in Englewood while the child was home alone, the prosecutor said. He was subsequently arrested on Monday, Nov. 17 and lodged in the Bergen County Jail.

LaBruno was charged with aggravated sexual assault on a victim helpless or incapacitated, sexual assault by force/coercion, and endangering-sexual conduct with a child. 

LaBruno became a police officer in Jersey City, his hometown, after attending the John H. Stamler Police Academy in 2005 and later rose to the rank of sergeant, according to his campaign site. 

Andrew LaBruno 

Andrew LaBruno 

Andrew LaBruno Facebook

LaBruno moved to Dumont with his wife in 2009 after the birth of their first child, which is when he became active in youth recreation programs. In 2016, LaBurno founded the Dumont Community Group, a nonprofit that helped revive town events, including the Dumont 5K, Movies in the Park, and a town-wide garage sale.

He was elected to the Borough Council in 2018 and then as Mayor in 2019, serving from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023.

A third-generation union member, LaBruno has long been active in organized labor and previously served as President of the Jersey City Police Superior Officers’ Association, according to the campaign website. It adds that he remains committed to working families, fellow first responders, teachers and union members across fields.