
New Jersey police officer Rebecca Sayegh found herself on the wrong side of the law after allegedly breaking into a home, assaulting two people, and damaging property during an off-duty incident that has shocked the Toms River community.
At a Glance
- Rebecca Sayegh, 32, a Toms River police officer since 2016, was arrested and charged with home invasion, burglary, assault, and multiple other offenses
- The off-duty officer allegedly smashed the front door of a home on April 25, assaulted two victims inside, and damaged a vehicle
- Sayegh was initially issued a summons but later taken into custody due to the severity of charges and is currently awaiting a detention hearing
- The officer previously filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her department alleging a “boys club” culture, which was dismissed due to statute of limitations
Home Invasion and Assault Charges
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred on April 25, 2025, when Sayegh allegedly forced her way into a residence on Evernhan Avenue in Berkeley Township. Prosecutors report that Sayegh smashed the front door to gain entry before confronting and assaulting two individuals inside the home. The 32-year-old officer also reportedly damaged a vehicle belonging to one of the victims during the incident, adding to the list of property damage allegations against her.
Initially, Sayegh was served with a complaint summons for the charges. However, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer explained that authorities later executed an arrest warrant against her “due to the serious nature of the charges.” She now faces multiple counts including home invasion burglary, assault, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, and resisting arrest. The officer is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.
"OFF-DUTY TOMS RIVER POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH HOME INVASION BURGLARY, ASSAULT, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, TERRORISTIC THREATS, AND RESISTING ARREST
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 28, 2025, Rebecca Sayegh, 32, of Toms River, was charged with Home… pic.twitter.com/tKqJsUX6gQ
— Wake Up NJ 🇺🇸 New Jersey (@wakeupnj) April 29, 2025
Previous Legal Battles and Career History
This incident marks a dramatic turn for Sayegh, who has been with the Toms River Police Department since 2016. Prior to these allegations, Sayegh had been involved in a legal battle with her own department. She had filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and claiming a “boys club” culture that she said prevented her from receiving promotions. According to court documents, Sayegh alleged a toxic and misogynistic environment within the department, but her lawsuit was ultimately dismissed due to statute of limitations issues.
In her lawsuit, Sayegh specifically claimed that former Captain Shaun O’Keefe had followed her into a bathroom and made inappropriate advances during a police event. O’Keefe denied these allegations, and the claims against him were dismissed along with the broader lawsuit. The Toms River Police Department has largely refrained from commenting on these earlier allegations as well as the current criminal charges against Sayegh.
BREAKING NEW JERSEY NEWS: @News12NJ https://t.co/LapiqeqMpD
— Tommy Gabriel (@itstommygabriel) April 29, 2025
From Hero to Suspect
The criminal charges represent a stark contrast to Sayegh’s previous recognition for heroism. Before these allegations emerged, she had been honored for bravery after saving a woman and her pets from a burning home. This dramatic shift from decorated officer to criminal defendant has stunned many in the law enforcement community and the broader Toms River area, raising questions about the pressures and challenges facing officers both on and off duty.
The Berkeley Township Police Department has been commended by prosecutors for their investigation efforts in the case. While the serious allegations have been filed, authorities emphasize that all charges against Sayegh are accusations at this point, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office continues to handle the case as Sayegh awaits her detention hearing to determine next steps in the legal process.