Rebecca Sayegh, 32 – formerly with the Toms River Police Department (TRPD) – has lost her law enforcement career following a violent home invasion and physical assault. She pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal mischief, and simple assault on November 17th.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that his office seeks 180 days in jail upon Sayegh’s January 26 sentencing alongside the pending sentence from Toms River authorities. As part of her probation, she is required to maintain no contact with the victims and pay restitution.
Sayegh was suspended without pay since her April arrest before this plea agreement solidified. Her position with the police department will be forfeited effective November 17th, and she’s banned from future state employment.
The incident occurred just months after Sayegh filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against TRPD leadership. The October 2024 suit alleged that her former captain, Shaun O’Keefe, followed her into the women’s restroom at a department event in June 2022 and demanded oral sex while claiming to be “deputized.” She also claimed fellow officers spread false rumors about her relationships with male colleagues due to a perceived “boys club” culture.
The ongoing home invasion involved breaking in during an off-duty period, engaging in violent physical attacks on both the ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend before being restrained. Upon resisting arrest attempts until custody was secured, she reportedly told one victim: “I’m going to fking burn your house down next.”
Damage to property is estimated at approximately $2500 – $2000 to personal items inside the home and $500 to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Despite joining TRPD in 2017, her career includes commendation for bravery during an earlier house fire rescue.
Sayegh’s sexual harassment case against the department remains pending despite being dismissed by Superior Court Judge Robert E. Brenner due to statute of limitations issues concerning O’Keefe specifically.
