A North Bergen municipal judge has been suspended without pay after being accused of grabbing a woman’s breast without her consent, authorities said.

Nino Falcone, 78, faces a criminal sexual contact charge, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. He was released on his own recognizance.

Falcone was suspended Thursday without pay pending further order of the court, a state court official said. The matter has been referred to the advisory committee on judicial conduct.

Falcone could not be reached for comment.

"The alleged incident involving Judge Falcone did not occur on township property or involve another township employee or anyone connected with North Bergen Municipal Court," a township spokesman said.

The alleged incident happened on Aug. 29 at Falcone’s private law office on Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The victim is an office manager at a doctor's office which Falcone is the attorney for. She was in the office to discuss business as Falcone represents her on personal matters.

While the victim attempted to leave, Falcone pulled her in for a hug and rubbed her back, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The woman felt uncomfortable and pushed Falcone away. He then grabbed her breast with his hands telling her to let him "play" with her and to let him touch her, according to court documents.

Falcone then let go of her wrist, took out his wallet and offered to give her birthday money, according to a affidavit of probable cause.

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The victim left and told the doctor and receptionist what happened, according to the affidavit of probable cause. She did not initially want to report this to police because Falcone is a judge in North Bergen, according to court documents.

Both the doctor and receptionist corroborated the victim's statements, according to the affidavit. The doctor described the victim as "crying" and "shaking" and was found crying in the office bathroom.

Falcone called the doctor's office the day after the incident twice asking for the victim, according to the affidavit.

When later interviewed by police, Falcone made admissions to touching the victim "inappropriately" and apologized to her, according to the affidavit.

Falcone who has been admitted to the state bar since 1984, according to records, has previously been disciplined twice by the state. He was appointed to be a municipal judge in 1987.

In September 2009, Falcone was censured after misappropriating a client's $12,000 deposit that was to be used for a home, according to court records. In October 2001, Falcone was suspended for three months for charges including failing to safeguard funds and engaging in a conflict of interest.