A former New Jersey police officer died by suicide at a state park months after he and his wife were arrested on charges of engaging in sexual activity in front of children, authorities confirmed.
Brian DiBiasi, 40, a 21-year veteran of the Hamilton Police Department, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the Delaware River in Washington Crossing State Park in Hopewell, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office stated. DiBiasi faced charges including permitting a child to engage in pornography, sexual conduct with a child by a caretaker, and possession of child sexual exploitation material. His wife, Elizabeth DiBiasi, 43, an 18-year veteran of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, was also arrested on similar allegations.
New Jersey State Police detained the couple on January 29 following reports that Brian DiBiasi had allegedly shared explicit content involving his wife in the presence of children via a mobile messaging platform. Law enforcement traced the account to their Hamilton Township home and conducted a raid, uncovering 36 files of suspected child sexual abuse material. Court documents revealed Brian DiBiasi admitted ownership of the account and confessed to distributing the files, while Elizabeth DiBiasi denied knowledge of the activity.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with officials highlighting the betrayal of public trust. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin called the crimes “among the most serious we charge,” noting the distress caused by the involvement of law enforcement. Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin described the actions as “abhorrent” and damaging to community safety.
DiBiasi was terminated from his police position after the charges were filed. The couple was released from Monmouth County Jail shortly after their arrest. Elizabeth DiBiasi’s attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, recently stated the case “could have been worked out,” though no further details were provided.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Hamilton Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
