Grand Jury Returns Sweeping Indictment Including Official Misconduct & Aggravated Sexual Assault Charges

Sunday, February 17, 2026, 6:45 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

ENGLEWOOD, NJ.- A former Jersey City Police Department sergeant has been formally indicted on multiple felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault and official misconduct, stemming from the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile in Englewood, New Jersey, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced.

     The defendant, Andrew LaBruno, 44, of Dumont, New Jersey, who was employed as a sergeant with the Jersey City Police Department at the time of the alleged offenses. According to prosecutors, a Bergen County Grand Jury voted on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to indict LaBruno on two counts of second-degree official misconduct, one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

     The indictment is the result of an ongoing joint investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Jeff Angermeyer, and the Englewood Police Department, led by Chief Thomas Greeley.

Initial Allegations And Investigation;

     As previously reported by law enforcement, the case originated on Monday, November 17, 2025, when the Englewood Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding an alleged sexual assault involving a juvenile that had occurred within the City of Englewood.

     Investigators determined that LaBruno, who was allegedly a stranger to the victim, initiated contact with the juvenile through Grindr, a social media application. Prosecutors allege that LaBruno engaged the juvenile in conversation on the platform and subsequently arranged an in-person meeting.

     According to the investigation, LaBruno allegedly sexually assaulted the juvenile at the juvenile’s residence in Englewood while the victim was home alone. Authorities state that the alleged conduct constituted both sexual assault offenses and endangering the welfare of a child under New Jersey law.

Arrest And Detention;

     Following the initial investigation, LaBruno was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail, where he remains detained pending trial.

     As the investigation continued, prosecutors allege that additional evidence revealed LaBruno identified himself as a police officer during the incident, allegedly for the purpose of hindering his own apprehension. This alleged conduct formed the basis for the official misconduct charges later returned by the grand jury. 

Charges Detailed In The Indictment;

     The Bergen County Grand Jury indicted LaBruno on the following counts:

• Two counts of second-degree official misconduct
• One count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault
• One count of second-degree sexual assault
• One count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child

     Under New Jersey law, a conviction on first-degree aggravated sexual assault carries the potential for decades in state prison, while official misconduct charges can result in substantial prison terms and permanent forfeiture of public office. 

Case Status;

     LaBruno remains incarcerated at the Bergen County Jail pending further court proceedings. Prosecutors have not disclosed additional investigative details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Court dates are expected to be scheduled in Bergen County Superior Court.

     Authorities emphasized that the charges contained in the indictment are accusations only, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Editor’s Note:

This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based exclusively on information released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Englewood Police Department. All charges described herein are allegations contained in a criminal indictment. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Englebrook Independent News does not publish the identities of juvenile victims of alleged sexual offenses and withholds certain details to protect victim privacy.