By: Richard L. Smith
Sussex County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph LaBarbera was arrested Saturday and is facing several serious gun-related charges following an incident in Sussex County, according to a report published by the New Jersey Globe.
The New Jersey Globe reports that LaBarbera was taken into custody several hours after an incident that allegedly occurred around 2 p.m.
LaBarbera is accused of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering a child by a non-caretaker, aggravated assault with a firearm and unjustified display of a firearm by a gun permit holder.
According to the Globe, LaBarbera was arrested in the parking lot of a local restaurant and is expected to appear before a judge Monday.
Following news of the arrest, three Republican state legislators and all five Republican Sussex County commissioners issued a joint statement calling for LaBarbera to take a leave of absence from his position while the allegations are addressed.
LaBarbera has served as chairman of the Sussex County Republican Committee since 2023.
The charges are accusations, and LaBarbera is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
RLS Media will continue to follow the case as additional information becomes available from law enforcement and court officials.
Information for this report was obtained from reporting by the New Jersey Globe.