Judge orders mikie sherrill's runningmate to be held in jail on child sexual assault charges

Judge Orders Mikie Sherrill’s Runningmate to be Held in Jail on Child Sexual Assault Charges

ENGLEWOOD, NJ – Former Dumont Mayor and current Jersey City police sergeant Andrew LaBruno, 44, will remain in the Bergen County Jail until at least January 8, 2026, after a Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday that he will continue to be held pending further proceedings in a child sexual assault case.

LaBruno was arrested earlier this week and charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors say he met the juvenile online through a social media app before arranging to meet in person at the child’s home in Englewood, where the alleged assault occurred while the victim was home alone.

Judge orders mikie sherrill's runningmate to be held in jail on child sexual assault charges
Photo: judge orders mikie sherrill's runningmate to be held in jail on child sexual assault charges

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced that the investigation was conducted jointly by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Englewood Police Department under Chief Thomas Greeley.

According to authorities, LaBruno was not previously known to the victim. He was taken into custody Monday and booked into the Bergen County Jail, where he awaits trial.

Judge orders mikie sherrill's runningmate to be held in jail on child sexual assault charges
Photo: judge orders mikie sherrill's runningmate to be held in jail on child sexual assault charges

LaBruno, a Jersey City police sergeant, has been suspended without pay, according to city spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, who said the department’s Internal Affairs Unit will also review the matter.

The longtime public official, who previously served as mayor of Dumont, recently ran unsuccessfully for the New Jersey State Assembly in the 39th Legislative District, narrowly losing to his Republican opponents.

Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are merely accusations and that LaBruno is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

LaBruno is due back in court in early January for his next detention hearing.

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