Manville Police Chief Convicted Of Sex Assault Of Employees

MANVILLE, NJ — Suspended Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst of Bridgewater was convicted by a jury on Thursday on multiple charges stemming from the sexual assault of multiple subordinate women employees both inside and outside the workplace, frequently while he was on duty, announced Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).

Herbst, 57, of Bridgewater, was found guilty of four counts of official misconduct, one count of pattern of official misconduct, one count of sexual assault (all second-degree crimes), and one count of criminal sexual contact (fourth-degree) by a Somerset County jury following a trial before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober.

The verdict was announced after jurors deliberated for around one day.

Herbst could face a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000 on the second-degree charges and up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000 on the fourth-degree charges.

Additionally, Herbst could face a mandatory five-year period of parole ineligibility on the charges of official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10.

"For years, Herbst abused his power and tormented his victims. Today’s conviction shows no one is above the law. At a time when corruption prosecutions and protections are being eroded nationally, in New Jersey my office will continue to hold corrupt officials to account," said Platkin." We will continue to protect victims and serve the public. I want to thank the career prosecutors and law enforcement in my Office of Public Integrity and Accountability who expertly prosecuted this case. Every day, they do the difficult, selfless work of investigating and trying these cases, and I am so proud of them.”

"The jury’s verdict sends a message to the victims, to other would-be perpetrators, and to the public that public corruption and sexual abuse will not be tolerated," said Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA. "Victims of sexual abuse will be heard and believed. This verdict is also a victory for the vast majority of law enforcement who honorably sacrifice to protect the public every day, and the public whom they are entrusted to serve."

*Warning the below description of the crimes may be triggering to some people*

According to the evidence presented at trial, Herbst engaged in unwanted sexual behavior toward at least three women.

Starting in 2008, coercively and without consent, the Herbst groped, exposed himself to, and sexually harassed an employee of the police department.

Over the next 13 years, Herbst's conduct escalated to violent sexual assault on the primary victim. The attacks often happened while he and the victim were on duty, and many of the attacks took place in police headquarters, according to authorities.

In 2016 and 2017, Herbst reportedly solicited sexual favors from the wife of one of his subordinate officers in order for that officer to receive favorable employment decisions and opportunities, including demanding oral sex from the employee's wife in exchange for a promotion.

In another incident, Herbst reportedly demanded sexually explicit photos of a different subordinate's wife in exchange for a schedule change.

The jury further convicted Herbst for viewing pornographic websites from his borough-issued computer in his office at police headquarters.

Finally, the jury convicted Herbst of violating several Manville Police Department policies by retaining a Chief's badge and identifying himself as the Chief of Police in order to get himself out of a traffic violation following his suspension.

The investigation was conducted by OPIA and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

Previous Reporting:

• Manville Police Chief Charged With Sex Assault, Preyed On Officers' Wives: AG
• NJ Police Chief Accused Of Rape, Sex Assault Of Employee Over 13 Years: Lawsuit
• Manville Police Chief, Accused Of Rape, Faces New Charges

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