New Jersey Police Head condemned for sexual assault, misconduct

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Somerville, NJ – Manville’s suspended police officer, Thomas Herbst, was sentenced Thursday for multiple positions of official misconduct, sexual assault and related crimes after a three -week trial in the Superior Court of Somerset County.

A jury found Herbst, 57, from Bridgewater, guilty of four positions of official misconduct, a pattern charge of official misconduct, a position of sexual assault (all second -degree crimes) and a position of sexual contact Criminal (a quarter-grade fourth). The verdict occurred after approximately one day of jury’s deliberations.

Herbst’s positions derive from years of aggressive and inappropriate sexual behavior towards subordinates, both inside and outside the workplace, often while they are service. Prosecutors said that their misconduct covered more than a decade, starting in 2008, and included forced victims, groped, exposed and committing violent sexual assaults within the police headquarters.

In addition to the direct assaults, Herbst was convicted of taking advantage of his authority to request sexual favors. Prosecutors said they offered employment benefits in exchange for sex, including the oral sex requirement of an officer’s wife for a promotion and request explicit photos of the wife of another officer for a schedule change.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin described the conviction as a critical step to hold corrupt officials. “For years, Herbst abused his power and tormented his victims,” ​​he said. “Today’s conviction shows that no one is above the law.”

Herbst faces a potential sentence of five to 10 years in prison for each second -degree position, with the mandatory eligibility of probation for official condemnations of misconduct. The sentence is scheduled for April 10, 2025.