Cop Charged, Sent Suggestive Texts To Woman He Arrested: MCPO

HOWELL, NJ - A Howell resident - who is employed as a police officer in Neptune City - is facing charges after being caught sending sexually suggestive text messages to an 18-year-old he had arrested hours prior. The officer could also lose his job, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Damien Broschart, 29, was charged with fourth degree cyber harassment and third degree hindering apprehension of oneself following an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Neptune City Police Department.

According to the county prosecutor’s office, the 18-year-old came forward, claiming that she was contacted by Broschart via text hours after he arrested her.

While on duty, Broschart reportedly conducted a motor vehicle stop of the victim in October, which led to the woman’s arrest on drug charges and several moving violations. After she was processed and released, Broschart transported the victim back to her vehicle - but not before Broschart deactivated his body-worn camera and mobile video recorder, according to the prosecutor’s office. He then asked the victim for her telephone number.

“Once the Neptune City Police Department learned of the allegations against Broschart, we acted immediately by launching an internal affairs investigation and contacting the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office,” said Neptune City Police Chief Matthew J. Quagliato. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and has no place within the Neptune City Police Department, and the entire law enforcement community. Although Broschart’s actions were completely unacceptable, this incident does not reflect on the great work done on a daily basis by the remaining officers of the Neptune City Police Department.”

While still on duty, Broschart sent the 18-year-old a text message, followed by messages that were sexual in nature. After the victim was released from custody, Broschart sent the victim messages indicating he thought she was “cute” and he would like to “pay [her] back” for everything.

Broschart attempted to meet with the woman at her home after the end of his shift, but the victim refused and abruptly ended communication with the officer. Although she promptly blocked Broschart’s phone number, the Howell man then called the victim three times from the Neptune City Police Department.

If convicted of hindering, Broschart faces a sentence of three to five years in a New Jersey state prison. If convicted of cyber harassment, he faces up to 18 months in state prison.

“It is imperative that we do all that we can to ensure that the men and women who are sworn to protect and serve their communities do not have their reputations tarnished by officers who breach that trust,” said Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber, President of the Monmouth County Chiefs of Police Association. “Although their numbers are few, our Chiefs are fully committed to ensuring that the public understands that none of our agencies tolerate that type of behavior and will continue to address instances of misconduct.”

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