Long Branch Cop Pleads Guilty To Harassing Woman, Steps Down

FREEHOLD, N.J. — A Long Branch cop pleaded guilty to harassing and inappropriately touching a woman at a bar, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday. Patrick D. Joyce will step down from his position as part of the plea agreement, the MCPO said.

Joyce, 35, admitted to offensively touching a 21-year-old woman at Jack's Goal Line Stand, a local bar that hosted a private party following the promotion ceremony of Long Branch officers Feb. 1, the MCPO said. Joyce was suspended by the Long Branch Police Department after the incident.

Joyce also cannot work in any public employment in New Jersey, according to the plea agreement. The agreement calls for a probationary period to be determined by the court at sentencing and for mandatory outpatient treatment, the MCPO said.

“The vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties with integrity and honor," Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said. "However, when a police officer takes advantage of the very citizens they are sworn to protect, it erodes public confidence and violates the public’s trust. Such behavior will never be acceptable or tolerated."

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