A former New Jersey mayor was arrested on charges related to allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a child he met online. Andrew LaBruno, 44, who served as Dumont’s mayor and worked as a Jersey City police sergeant, faced allegations of “aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault-force/coercion, and endangering-sexual conduct with a child.”

According to the criminal complaint, LaBruno entered the home of a child he met online, where he sprayed an unknown substance into his hand before placing it over the victim’s mouth and nose, causing dizziness. Authorities cited statements made at the scene, the victim’s account, and physical evidence as sufficient probable cause for his arrest. The victim was found suffering from “cognitive impairment” after a 911 call and treated at a local hospital.

LaBruno is currently held without bail in Bergen County Jail and will appear in court later Tuesday. He has been suspended without pay, though it remains unclear who represents him in the case.

The former mayor’s campaign website highlights his public service background and family-oriented work, including founding a charity. LaBruno had run for a state assembly seat earlier this month but came within 1,888 votes of winning. In the June 2025 primary, he challenged Bergen Democratic-endorsed candidates, securing the top vote-getter status before being defeated by Republican Assemblymen Robert Auth and John Azzariti in the general election.

LaBruno is married with two children and served one term as mayor before dropping his re-election bid in August 2023.