A Long Branch police officer is facing charges of Criminal Sexual Contact and Harassment stemming from an incident at a police promotions party at Jack’s Goal Line Stand last week, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni.

Officer Patrick D. Joyce, Jr., 35, of West Long Branch and a 12-year veteran of the Long Branch Police Department, has been charged with fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact and Harassment, a petty disorderly persons offense.

At Jack’s Goal Line Stand, a city bar where a private party was hosted following the promotion of four city police officers last Friday, Joyce is accused of allegedly inappropriately touching a 21-year-old woman without her consent for his own sexual arousal or gratification.

As a result of these charges, Joyce has been suspended by the Long Branch Police Department.

Joyce is scheduled to make his first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court on March 15, 2019.

If convicted of Criminal Sexual Contact, Joyce faces up to 18 months in state prison.

If convicted of Harassment, Joyce faces up to 30 days in the county jail.

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Joyce is represented by Robert Norton, Esq., of Westfield.

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