A former mayor in New Jersey faces serious legal consequences after being charged with the sexual assault of a minor he encountered on social media. Andrew LaBruno, who served as the Democrat mayor of Dumont and is currently a police sergeant in Jersey City, was arrested following allegations that he engaged in inappropriate conduct with a juvenile.
According to prosecutors, LaBruno began communicating with the underage individual online and arranged to meet in person. What transpired during that meeting is disturbing. He allegedly sprayed an unknown substance into his hand and then covered the victim’s mouth and nose, causing them to become disoriented and dizzy. This act reveals a premeditated intent to harm, as LaBruno took steps to incapacitate the victim before perpetrating the assault.
LaBruno, 44, has been charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The severity of these charges underscores the gravity of the situation. It is alarming that an individual in a position of trust and authority, like a police sergeant, is implicated in such a crime.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that LaBruno was a stranger to the alleged victim, emphasizing the vulnerability that minors face when interacting with unknown individuals online. The encounter took place at the victim’s residence in Englewood, a setting that should be a place of safety but instead became the site of a heinous act.
In light of these charges, LaBruno has been remanded to the Bergen County jail while awaiting a detention hearing. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety of children in both online and offline environments.
The case highlights the need for vigilance when it comes to minors’ interactions on social media. The ease with which individuals can connect online can sometimes lead to dangerous outcomes, just as seen in this troubling scenario. The community remains stunned by the allegations against LaBruno, as many grapple with the reality of someone in a respected role engaging in such dark behavior.
As this case progresses, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of protecting minors and ensuring that communities work together to provide safe environments for children. Instances like this can have lasting effects not only on the victims but also on the trust placed in community leaders and law enforcement figures.
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