Jersey City Police Sgt. Andrew LaBruno appeared virtually in court Wednesday on charges of sexually assaulting a child.

A judge ruled that he must stay behind bars, saying he poses a danger to the victim and himself. LaBruno, a married father of two, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is due back in court on Jan. 8.

Prosecutors say LaBruno, 44, met the 17-year-old boy on a dating app. They allege LaBruno went to the boy's Englewood home and used a substance called a nitrite popper on the victim, then sexually assaulted him.

"At that time, the defendant took out a little bottle from his pants ... The defendant poured it into his hand and put his hand over [the victim]'s mouth," assistant prosecutor Sara Wilson said. "[The victim] stated that he immediately felt dizzy and felt like the room was spinning."

Prosecutors say LaBruno knew, or should have know, the victim was "physically helpless" or "mentally incapacitated."

"There is nothing said in that 911 call about any sort of sexual assault, any sort of sexual activity, any kind of drugging, nothing of that nature," defense attorney Kevin Corriston said.

LaBruno, who has been an officer with Jersey City police for 20 years, was suspended without pay following his arrest. The department's Internal Affairs Unit is investigating. 

LaBruno formerly served as mayor of Dumont from 2020-2023. He ran for Assembly this year, but lost. He was a volunteer youth softball coach last year in Dumont.