Officer’s Shocking Allegation: From Law Enforcer to Accused Offender

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A decorated New Jersey police officer, once hailed as a hero for saving lives, now faces serious charges after allegedly breaking into a home, assaulting two people, and resisting arrest while off-duty.

Quick Takes

Toms River Police Officer Rebecca Sayegh, 32, was arrested for allegedly breaking into a home and assaulting her former boyfriend and another woman
Sayegh allegedly used a baton to smash a glass door, threatened to burn down the house, and damaged property inside
She previously sued her department for sexual harassment and discrimination, claiming a “boys club” culture
The officer was once honored for bravery after rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home
She now faces multiple charges including home invasion burglary, assault, and terroristic threats

From Hero to Handcuffs

Rebecca A. Sayegh, a 32-year-old Toms River Police officer with nearly nine years of service, was arrested following what authorities described as a “domestic disturbance” that occurred just before 11:30 p.m. on a Friday night in Berkeley Township, New Jersey. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Sayegh allegedly used a baton to smash the front glass door of a residence before entering the property and engaging in a physical altercation with two individuals inside. The incident marks a stunning reversal for an officer who was previously recognized for acts of bravery in the line of duty.

The violence reportedly didn’t stop at the doorway. Prosecutors state that Sayegh assaulted her former boyfriend and another woman inside the home, with one victim suffering swelling to the eye. The officer is also accused of causing property damage inside the residence and vandalizing the hood of one of the victim’s cars. When responding officers arrived at the scene, Sayegh allegedly resisted arrest, forcing officers to take additional measures to place her in custody. She has since been suspended with pay from her position.

Legal Troubles Mount

Sayegh now faces an array of serious charges including home invasion burglary, assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. She is currently being held without bail at the Ocean County Jail while awaiting a detention hearing. The Toms River Police Department has declined to comment directly on the case, with Lieutenant Ron Sermarini stating, “As per our chief of police, we do not have a comment on the matter and refer all inquiries to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.”

“Sayegh was taken into custody at the scene — after having resisted efforts to peacefully place her under arrest.”

This arrest comes at a particularly complex time, as Sayegh has an ongoing lawsuit against her department. She has alleged sexual harassment and discrimination within what she described as a “boys club” culture at the Toms River Police Department. Some of the claims in her lawsuit were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues, and attorneys representing the defendants have characterized the suit as frivolous and without legal merit. The timing of the arrest has raised questions about potential connections between these separate legal matters.

A Fall From Grace

The allegations stand in stark contrast to Sayegh’s previous public image. She was previously honored by the Toms River Police Department for her bravery in rescuing a woman and her pets from a burning home. The department’s commendation specifically noted her “swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions” during that incident, making the current charges all the more shocking to those familiar with her service record. This dramatic reversal underscores the complicated nature of human behavior, even among those sworn to uphold the law.

“Officer Sayegh went to the front door and made entry, locating Ms. Nicolo and her pets. Officer Sayegh was able to escort Ms. Nicolo and her pets across the street to safety. Officer Sayegh is commended for her swift action, bravery, and lifesaving actions.” – Source

Despite the severity of the charges, Sayegh’s attorney, Terrance Turnbach, has indicated that she intends to address the situation appropriately. In a statement, Turnbach noted that his client “understands the significance of the charges filed against her” and “will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings.” As the case moves forward, it will likely raise difficult questions about accountability, mental health support for law enforcement officers, and the standards to which we hold those entrusted with public safety.