By: Richard L. Smith
A Somerset County jury has convicted suspended Manville Police Chief Thomas Herbst on multiple counts of official misconduct, sexual assault, and related charges following a three-week trial.
The verdict, announced after just one day of deliberation, follows allegations that Herbst engaged in sexually abusive and coercive behavior toward subordinates, often while on duty. 
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Herbst, 57, of Bridgewater, was found guilty of 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).
His sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2025, where he faces up to 10 years in prison for each second-degree charge and a mandatory five-year period of parole ineligibility.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the significance of the conviction, stating, “For years, Herbst abused his power and tormented his victims.
Thursday’s conviction shows no one is above the law.” He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to prosecuting corrupt officials and protecting victims.
The trial evidence detailed Herbst’s long history of misconduct, beginning in 2008 when he first engaged in non-consensual sexual behavior toward a female employee of the police department.
Over the next 13 years, his actions escalated to violent sexual assault, with many of the incidents occurring inside police headquarters.
According to a statement released by the Attorney General’s Office, Herbst also abused his authority in other ways, including soliciting sexual favors from a subordinate officer’s wife in exchange for favorable employment decisions. In one instance, he demanded oral sex in return for a promotion.
In another, he pressured a different officer’s wife to send him explicit photos in exchange for a schedule change.
Additionally, the jury convicted Herbst of misusing his department-issued computer to view pornographic websites at police headquarters. Following his suspension, he violated department policies by continuing to identify himself as the chief of police and using his badge to avoid a traffic violation.
Drew Skinner, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, stated that the verdict sends a clear message: “Public corruption and sexual abuse will not be tolerated. Victims of sexual abuse will be heard and believed.” 
Herbst now awaits sentencing, where he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term.