A Democratic Party candidate and former mayor in New Jersey was arrested on Monday for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a child he groomed online, authorities announces Tuesday.
Andrew LaBruno, 44, — a current sergeant with the Jersey City Police Department — allegedly traveled to the Englewood home of a child he met online Monday and sprayed “an unknown substance into his hand” before “placing it over the victim’s mouth and nose, causing the victim dizziness,” according to a disturbing criminal complaint.
LaBruno, who previously served as mayor of the Bergen County town of Dumont and most recently launched an unsuccessful bid for a state assembly seat, then sexually assaulted the child who was “physically helpless” from the effect of the drugs, the
LaBruno is currently facing charges of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities made the arrest after obtaining enough probable cause, which included statements he made at the scene of the crime captured on body worn cameras, the victim’s account and “corroborating physical evidence” taken from the scene and from “actors.”
Police were dispatched to the scene following a 911 call, upon which the encountered the victim suffering from obvious signs of cognitive impairment. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to the complaint.
LaBruno is currently being held without bail in the Bergen County jail and is slated to make an initial appearance in the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack later Tuesday. The Union City Police Department confirmed that he has been suspended without pay following the filing of charges.
The alleged child predator was born and raised in Jersey City and has been a police officer since 2005, according to his campaign website. The site further touts him as a “family man” and lists a number of charitable endeavors he has participated in.
LaBruno was featured in an NJ.com story in 2020, when he called for a probe to be launched into two Dumont High School teachers who allegedly made a “homophobic” remark about a “gay gym teacher.”
“Dumont is a welcoming community and my administration will continue to make progress on committees and boards that recognize our diversity and celebrate our friends, family and neighbors,” the mayor said at the time.
In a surprising turn of events, the Senate has voted to overturn former President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports. The vote passed narrowly with a 52-48 majority, effectively dismantling one of the key components of Trump’s “America First” trade policy. The move is seen as a significant shift in trade relations, with implications for both American industry and international commerce.
The tariffs, introduced during Trump’s presidency, were designed to protect American workers and manufacturing by discouraging cheap imports and encouraging domestic production. However, the decision to eliminate them has sparked a heated debate about the future of U.S. trade policy and the balance between protectionism and free-market principles.
Notably, several Republicans broke ranks with their party’s traditional stance on trade by siding with Democrats in voting to repeal the tariffs. Among those Republicans were Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senators Thom Tillis, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins. Their votes have drawn significant criticism from conservatives who argue that the tariffs were instrumental in boosting American jobs and industries.
The vote, however, is not the final word on the matter. The measure still has to pass through the House of Representatives, where its fate remains uncertain. Given the political landscape, it is unlikely to gain the support necessary to clear the House and become law, though the outcome is still in play.
Former President Trump’s supporters argue that the tariffs were a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and promote American-made goods. They point to the jobs created in industries like steel and manufacturing as a direct result of the tariff policy, which aimed to level the playing field for American companies facing stiff competition from abroad.
Critics of the tariffs, however, contend that they led to higher prices for American consumers and disrupted supply chains. The decision to overturn them is seen as a move to restore trade relationships with Brazil and other countries, which were strained under Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. Some view this as a step toward a more globalist approach to trade.
As the debate continues to unfold, many are questioning whether Washington’s globalist factions are seeking to undo the economic gains made during Trump’s tenure. The controversy surrounding these tariffs reflects the deep divides within U.S. politics over how best to navigate the complex world of international trade and American industry.