MONMOUTH COUNTY – A Keansburg police officer has been arrested and charged after sexually assaulting an unconscious woman earlier this year, officials said.
Nicholas Thompson, 24, is charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact.
According to the investigation, the sexual assault happened at a private home in January where the victim was unconscious and incapable of consent.
At the time of the alleged assault, Thompson was a SLEO (Special Law Enforcement Officer) Type II, officials from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said. Last month, Thompson was sworn in as a Patrolman in Keansburg.
On October 4, he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a first appearance to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court. If convicted, Thompson could face up to 20 years in state prison on the Aggravated Sexual Assault charge, as well as up to 10 years on the Sexual Assault charge.
“The news of yesterday’s arrest was shocking and disturbing for all of us to hear,” Keansburg Police Chief Wayne Davis said. “The Keansburg Police Department is comprised of professional investigators of the highest caliber, and we refuse to allow the actions of one officer to negate or obscure the good work they do every day. We will also continue to cooperate with the Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation and prosecution in any way necessary, in order to bring this defendant to justice.”
Thompson has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of this case, Davis stated.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
