Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced the conviction of suspended Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst. After a trial lasting approximately three weeks, a jury in Somerville, New Jersey found Herbst guilty of multiple counts of official misconduct and related offenses, including sexual assault against several subordinates.

Herbst, aged 57 and from Bridgewater, New Jersey, was convicted on four counts of official misconduct, one count of pattern of official misconduct, one count of sexual assault—all second-degree crimes—and one count of criminal sexual contact, a fourth-degree crime. The verdict came after about a day of jury deliberation at the Somerset County Superior Court.

The trial was overseen by New Jersey Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober. Second-degree charges carry potential sentences ranging from five to ten years in state prison with fines up to $150,000. Fourth-degree charges could result in up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000. The official misconduct charges include a mandatory five-year parole ineligibility period. Sentencing is set for April 10, 2025.

"Earlier this afternoon, a unanimous jury convicted suspended Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst of sexual assault and public corruption offenses," stated Attorney General Platkin. "For years, Herbst abused his power and tormented his victims. Today’s conviction shows no one is above the law."

Drew Skinner, Executive Director of OPIA said: "The jury’s verdict sends a message to the victims, to other would-be perpetrators, and to the public that public corruption and sexual abuse will not be tolerated."

Evidence presented at trial revealed that Herbst engaged in unwanted sexual behavior toward at least three women since 2008. His actions escalated over time to violent sexual assaults on the primary victim while both were on duty.

In addition to these offenses, Herbst solicited sexual favors from subordinates' spouses for favorable employment decisions between 2016 and 2017. He also used his borough-issued computer for viewing pornographic websites at police headquarters.

Further convictions included violating Manville Police Department policies by retaining his badge post-suspension to avoid traffic violations.

The investigation was conducted by OPIA along with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecution team included Deputy Bureau Chief Marian Galietta and Deputy Attorneys General Niccole L. Sandora and Diana Bibb with assistance from Assistant Attorney General Andrew Wellbrock.

Herbst's defense counsel was James Wronko.