A New Jersey police officer, Rebecca Sayegh, 32, formerly associated with the Toms River Police Department, has lost her law enforcement career following charges related to a violent home invasion.
Sayegh pleaded guilty to burglary and simple assault. She was suspended without pay after her arrest in April and removed from her position effective November 17th by court order. The New Jersey State Police also barred her from any future employment with the state as part of the resolution, pending sentencing on January 26th.
The incident occurred during a home invasion targeting Sayegh’s ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend in Berkeley Township around April 25th. Court documents detail how Sayegh used a baton against them while off-duty, resulting in physical injuries to her former lover’s partner when she poked her with Sayegh’s fingernail.
Sayegh allegedly damaged property at the scene, including items inside the house and notably the hood of one victim’s vehicle. According to an affidavit cited by NJ.com, the ex-boyfriend managed to briefly restrain her until law enforcement arrived.
Prosecutors seeking her incarceration argue for 180 days in jail and want no further contact with the victims as conditions of probation or freedom.
Previously, before these April events, Sayegh filed a lawsuit against Toms River Police Department, alleging sexual harassment based on gender. The suit described a “boys club” culture where fellow officers spread rumors about her relationships and commented negatively on her appearance, hindering promotions.
The defendants’ attorneys dismissed the claims as frivolous and baseless when they were initially filed in June 2022 regarding former captain Shaun O’Keefe’s alleged conduct. In October 2024, Superior Court Judge Robert E. Brenner dismissed those specific allegations against O’Keefe due to the statute of limitations expiring.
Interestingly, prior to this misconduct case, Sayegh was recognized for bravery in January 2021 after rescuing a woman and her pets from a house fire in Toms River.
