A Democratic Party candidate and former mayor in New Jersey was arrested on Monday for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a child he groomed online, authorities announces Tuesday.
Andrew LaBruno, 44, — a current sergeant with the Jersey City Police Department — allegedly traveled to the Englewood home of a child he met online Monday and sprayed “an unknown substance into his hand” before “placing it over the victim’s mouth and nose, causing the victim dizziness,” according to a disturbing criminal complaint.
LaBruno, who previously served as mayor of the Bergen County town of Dumont and most recently launched an unsuccessful bid for a state assembly seat, then sexually assaulted the child who was “physically helpless” from the effect of the drugs, the New York Post reported. The victim was home alone at the time of the assault, according to the complaint.
LaBruno is currently facing charges of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
LaBruno unsuccessfully ran for an assembly seat in New Jersey’s 39th legislative district earlier this month
Authorities made the arrest after obtaining enough probable cause, which included statements he made at the scene of the crime captured on body worn cameras, the victim’s account and “corroborating physical evidence” taken from the scene and from “actors.”
Police were dispatched to the scene following a 911 call, upon which the encountered the victim suffering from obvious signs of cognitive impairment. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to the complaint.
LaBruno is currently being held without bail in the Bergen County jail and is slated to make an initial appearance in the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack later Tuesday. The Union City Police Department confirmed that he has been suspended without pay following the filing of charges.
The alleged child predator was born and raised in Jersey City and has been a police officer since 2005, according to his campaign website. The site further touts him as a “family man” and lists a number of charitable endeavors he has participated in.
LaBruno was featured in an NJ.com story in 2020, when he called for a probe to be launched into two Dumont High School teachers who allegedly made a “homophobic” remark about a “gay gym teacher.”
“Dumont is a welcoming community and my administration will continue to make progress on committees and boards that recognize our diversity and celebrate our friends, family and neighbors,” the mayor said at the time.
