Ex-police chief gets seven years in prison for sexual assault, official misconduct

Former Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst was sentenced to seven years in state prison after his conviction on sexually assaultive and inappropriate activity, giving the embattled New Jersey’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability a rare legal victory.

Jurors believed allegations that Herbst spent thirteen years groping, exposing himself, and sexually harassing police department employees, behavior that involved a “violent sexual assault” on the primary victim.

The 57-year-old Herbst was also convicted of soliciting sexual favors from the wife of a police officer in exchange for favorable employment decisions and advancements, including a demand for oral sex from the subordinate’s wife in exchange for a promotion.  The jury also found that Herbst “demanded sexually explicit photos of a different subordinate’s wife in exchange for a schedule change.”

Superior Court Judge Peter Tober ordered Herbst to serve roughly six years in prison before he’s eligible for parole, and said he must register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law.

Herbst was convicted in February after a three-week trial.

“The defendant’s abuse of power inflicted lasting damage to his victims’ lives,” said Attorney General Matt Platkin. “Today’s sentence brings some measure of justice to the victims and the community. My office will continue to work to bolster public confidence in government, to ensure the safety of all, and to combat sexual offenses in all forms.”