The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released its annual Major Discipline Report, detailing major disciplinary actions taken against law enforcement officers across the state during 2025. The 560-page report documents 817 major disciplinary actions imposed by 169 agencies against 654 officers and is intended to provide transparency and accountability regarding police misconduct.
Among the hundreds of cases included in the report are several involving officers from Ocean and Monmouth County departments.
Toms River Officer Fired Following Criminal Convictions
One of the most serious local cases involved former Toms River Police Officer Rebecca Sayegh, whose employment was terminated after she pleaded guilty to criminal offenses stemming from an incident in Berkeley Township.
According to the report, prosecutors alleged that while off duty, Sayegh burglarized a residence, committed an assault, and caused property damage. She ultimately pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, and simple assault, a disorderly persons offense.
A forfeiture order entered by Ocean County Superior Court on November 17, 2025 permanently barred her from serving as a police officer in New Jersey. The Toms River Police Department terminated her employment the same day.
Jackson Sergeant Terminated Over False Overtime Reports
The report also details the termination of Jackson Township Police Sgt. Michael Kelly.
Investigators found that between February and October 2022, Kelly submitted multiple inaccurate or false reports seeking overtime compensation through grant funding related to his work as a Drug Recognition Expert. Sustained charges included insubordination, conduct unbecoming, neglect of duty, and falsifying reports.
Kelly was terminated from the department following the investigation.
Howell Officer Suspended After Workplace Harassment Investigation
In Howell Township, Patrolwoman Francesca Schweiger received a 100-hour unpaid suspension following an internal affairs investigation into workplace harassment.
The investigation began after an anonymous complaint was submitted to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in July 2024. Investigators determined that Schweiger participated in presenting a multi-colored cake to a fellow officer in connection with that officer’s protected class status.
The report states that the incident violated department rules and the agency’s workplace harassment policies. Sustained charges included violations involving moral and ethical conduct, standards of conduct, respect toward employees, and workplace harassment.
Lakewood Officers Disciplined
The report also lists disciplinary actions involving several Lakewood Police Department officers.
Patrolman Joseph Mandelbaum received a six-day suspension along with training, coaching, or counseling after investigators concluded he violated department policy during a vehicle pursuit in July 2025. The report states that multiple policy violations were identified, including initiating a pursuit for a minor traffic offense in violation of departmental guidelines. Sustained charges included insubordination.
Patrolman John Pannone was suspended for 10 days after an internal affairs investigation found he failed to provide medical aid to the victim of a one-car crash on May 25, 2025. According to the report, the victim repeatedly requested medical assistance, but Pannone did not render aid. Investigators determined that he was adequately trained and equipped to provide basic first aid. He was found guilty of neglect of duty and ordered to undergo additional training and counseling.
A third Lakewood officer, Patrolman Marc Rodriguez, also received a 10-day suspension and training-related sanctions for neglect of duty in connection with the same incident, according to the report.
Statewide Numbers
The Attorney General’s Office reported that law enforcement agencies opened more than 16,000 internal affairs investigations during 2025, involving over 10,000 officers statewide.
More than one-quarter of closed investigations resulted in sustained findings. The most common outcomes were oral or written reprimands, while other penalties included retraining, counseling, suspensions without pay, demotions, and terminations.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the public release of the data is intended to strengthen confidence in law enforcement by ensuring transparency.
“Maintaining faith in government and trust in law enforcement requires that residents know the State holds law enforcement to the highest professional standards,” Davenport said. “Transparency and accountability are key to maintaining public confidence in our officers.”
