A police officer in Monmouth County is accused of sexually assaulting a woman earlier this year.

Nicholas Thompson, 24, faces sex assault charges as a result of an incident back in January. 

Prosecutors allege the officer sexually assaulted an unconscious woman at a home, saying she was incapable of consent. 

Last month, Thompson was sworn in as a patrolman. At the time of the alleged incident, he was a class 2 special law enforcement officer.  Keansburg Police Chief Wayne Davis says the allegations were disturbing for the entire police department.

"The Keansburg Police Department is comprised of professional investigators of the highest caliber, and we refuse to allow the actions of one officer to negate or obscure the good work they do every day,” says Davis.

Thompson is charged with first and third aggravated sexual assault. At the direction of Chief Davis, Thompson has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.

If convicted, he could spend decades behind bars.