Off-duty Toms River cop pleads guilty after smashing into home and assault in late-night incident
Toms River, NJ — A former Toms River police officer has pleaded guilty to multiple charges after a late-night domestic incident in Berkeley Township that involved a shattered front door, damaged property, and a physical altercation, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Monday.
Rebecca Sayegh, 32, entered her plea before Judge Guy P. Ryan, admitting guilt to burglary, criminal mischief, and simple assault in connection with the April 25 incident. The charges stem from events that unfolded around 11:20 p.m. when Sayegh, off-duty at the time, forced her way into a residence on Evernhan Avenue.
Officers responding to a 911 call found Sayegh had smashed through the home’s front glass door and caused damage to a vehicle parked outside. Investigators also determined that she physically assaulted a victim inside the residence. She resisted officers’ efforts to detain her before being taken into custody at the scene.
Sayegh was released shortly after under the state’s bail reform policies.
As part of her plea deal, Sayegh agreed to forfeit her position with the Toms River Township Police Department, effective immediately, and will be barred from any future public employment in New Jersey. The state will seek a sentence of 180 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation, along with restitution and no contact with the victims when she appears for sentencing on January 16.
The investigation was conducted by the Berkeley Township and Toms River Police Departments, with Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco prosecuting the case for the State.
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Key Points
- Off-duty Toms River officer Rebecca Sayegh pled guilty to burglary, mischief, and assault
- She admitted to smashing into a home and damaging property during a domestic disturbance
- Sayegh forfeited her police position and faces jail time and probation at sentencing