ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — A former Dumont mayor and Jersey City police sergeant has been indicted on charges alleging he drugged and sexually assaulted a teenage boy he met through a social media app, authorities announced in February.

Andrew LaBruno, 44, of Dumont, was initially arrested in November 2025 following an incident at the alleged victim’s home in Englewood. On Feb. 12, 2026, a Bergen County grand jury returned an indictment charging LaBruno with multiple felonies, including first-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree official misconduct, second-degree sexual assault, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Background

LaBruno is a married father of two who has served as a Jersey City police sergeant since December 2005. He previously served as mayor of Dumont from 2020 to 2023 after two years on the borough council. Most recently, he ran unsuccessfully as a Democratic candidate for the 39th District State Assembly in November 2025 — weeks before his arrest.

Allegations

According to prosecutors, on Nov. 17, 2025, LaBruno initiated contact with a 17-year-old through Grindr, a social media application. Authorities allege he arranged to meet the teenager at the minor’s home in Englewood while the youth was alone.

During the encounter, prosecutors allege LaBruno sprayed an unknown substance into his hand and placed it over the teen’s mouth and nose, causing the victim to become “dizzy and incapacitated.” The substance was later identified as an inhalant commonly known as “poppers,” according to court testimony. Prosecutors allege LaBruno then sexually assaulted the teen while he was physically helpless.

Alleged Confrontation at the Home

The alleged assault was interrupted when the teen’s father returned home and came upstairs, according to authorities. Prosecutors allege LaBruno hid behind a door before pushing past the father, falling down the stairs, and fleeing to his vehicle — leaving behind his shirt and cell phone.

When the father threatened to call police, authorities allege LaBruno identified himself as a police officer in an attempt to deter the call. He later briefly returned to retrieve his phone but was subsequently identified and arrested.

Official Misconduct Charges

The official misconduct charges stem from investigators’ determination that LaBruno allegedly used his status as a police officer during the incident — both by identifying himself as law enforcement to the teen’s father and by allegedly being on duty and in uniform at the time.

Legal Proceedings

LaBruno was ordered detained at the Bergen County Jail following a November 2025 detention hearing, where a judge determined he posed a risk to the community and the alleged victim.

He has since replaced his attorney. His new legal team is reviewing evidence that reportedly includes toxicology reports and body-worn camera footage.

Prosecutors have indicated there have been “preliminary, tentative” discussions regarding a potential plea agreement, though no substantive negotiations have occurred.

LaBruno was suspended without pay from the Jersey City Police Department following his arrest.

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

Sources

Attorneys Detail Timeline of Charges Against Former Dumont Mayor. NorthJersey.com / The Bergen Record.

Ex-Dumont Mayor Who Allegedly Drugged and Raped Teenager Remains in Jail. New Jersey Globe.

Ex-Mayor Arrested for Drugging and Sexually Abusing Child He Met Online. Daily Mail.

Jersey City Police Sergeant Charged With Sexual Assault of a Child. SecaucusNJ.net / Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.