A former police officer from New Jersey who embarked on a violent rampage at her ex-boyfriend's residence has been handed a relatively minor punishment for the alarming incident. Rebecca Sayegh, aged 33 and previously employed by the Toms River Police Department, was captured on bodycam footage in a state of frenzy after forcibly entering the home of Anthony Chiarello and Brianna Grochowski in April 2025, according to reports from the Patch.
Details of the Violent Incident
Investigators revealed that Sayegh utilised her police-issued baton to smash through the front door of the property shortly before midnight, subsequently confronting the couple inside. During her tumultuous break-in, prosecutors stated that she physically pushed and shoved the victims, vandalised household items, and caused significant damage to the hood of a car parked in the driveway.
Bodycam Footage and Threats
The bodycam footage depicted Sayegh berating officers and refusing to comply with their commands. After being restrained, she was heard issuing a chilling threat to her ex-boyfriend, declaring, 'I'm going to f***ing burn your house down next, you piece of s***.' Additionally, she allegedly sent threatening text messages prior to the attack, including one that read, 'You'll never live a day in peace ever again.'
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
On Friday, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Sayegh received a sentence of three years' probation. She pleaded guilty on November 17 to charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and simple assault. As part of her sentencing, she has been ordered to pay approximately $2,500 in restitution to cover the financial losses incurred by the victims. Furthermore, she is prohibited from contacting the victims and has been barred from any future public employment within the state of New Jersey.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
A lawsuit filed by the victims in January alleges that Sayegh colluded with a Toms River police officer and a dispatcher to obtain personal information about the new girlfriend. The lawsuit also accuses the police department of multiple counts of misconduct, including an officer conspiring with Sayegh to access license plate details and arriving at the scene without a body camera. Additionally, it claims the department allowed Sayegh to carry a firearm despite previous suspensions and her use of medication for mental health conditions.
Background and Previous Lawsuit
The home invasion occurred six months after Sayegh filed a lawsuit against her former department, alleging sexual harassment by ex-Captain Shaun O'Keefe and claiming the environment was rife with misogyny and sexism. However, her claims against O'Keefe were dismissed due to exceeding the statute of limitations. Sayegh, who joined the force in June 2017 and earned a salary exceeding $85,000, was suspended without pay following the charges related to the home invasion.
This case highlights significant concerns regarding police conduct and accountability, as a former officer's violent actions have resulted in a probationary sentence amidst broader allegations of institutional failings within the Toms River Police Department.
