First-Degree Home-Invasion Burglary Charges Filed Against NJ Cop Rebecca Sayegh: Prison Term 10-20 Years if Convicted

First-Degree Home-Invasion Burglary Charges Filed Against NJ Cop Rebecca Sayegh: Prison Term 10-20 Years if Convicted

According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, a Toms River police officer is being held without bail by the state pending trial for allegedly committing a violent home invasion burglary in Berkeley Township last week.

Rebecca Sayegh, 32, of Toms River, was the officer who appeared in court for the first time from the Ocean County Jail at a virtual hearing before Brick Municipal Judge Joseph Grisanti on Tuesday.

Authorities claim that the off-duty Toms River police officer involved in the home invasion broke into into her ex-boyfriend's house and threatened to set it on fire. These specifics are included in an affidavit of probable cause that backs Rebecca Sayegh's criminal allegations.

Grisanti told Sayegh that the state had filed a motion to keep her in custody without bail while the case was being handled, and she read the charges against her. According to Grisanti, a hearing on the state's motion to decide whether to release Sayegh or keep her in jail is scheduled for this Friday.

Sayegh faces charges of first-degree home invasion burglary, which carries a 10- to 20-year jail sentence if found guilty.

Additionally, she faces one count each of terroristic threats and resisting arrest, as well as two charges each of simple assault and criminal mischief. Sayegh was off duty on Friday when Berkeley police arrived at a residence on Evernham Avenue in the Bayville portion of the township at approximately 11:20 p.m. on a report of a domestic disturbance, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

According to Billhimer, officers discovered that Sayegh had broken the glass front door of the house, gone inside, and threatened and attacked two victims. According to the prosecution, Sayegh also allegedly damaged the hood of one of the victims' cars that was parked in the driveway and resisted when police tried to apprehend her.

"Officer Sayegh understands the significance of the charges filed against her,'' her attorney, Terrance Turnbach, said.

"She has been a member of the Toms River Police Department and proudly served her community for almost nine years,'' Turnbach said of his client. "She is taking all of the appropriate steps to properly address the matter at hand and will remain cooperative throughout the pending legal proceedings.''