A volunteer with the Morris County Prevention Is Key Program in Rockaway Township NJ has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teenager.
The 55-year-old Parsippany man used to be a volunteer with the youth program, which helps at-risk minors in New Jersey by providing mentoring services. While working as a volunteer, the suspect became emotionally involved with one of the program’s teens. At some point, the two began a sexual relationship which allegedly involved penetration.
The suspect was eventually arrested and charged with sexual assault. He later appeared in Morris County Superior Court and pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charges.
The suspect also pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse in connection with incidents involving two other teenagers. According to Morris County prosecutors, the suspect encouraged the teens to engage in sexual behavior while he watched.
It is believed that two of the victims were 13 years old, while the third victim was 14 years old at the time of the abuse. The illegal incidents reportedly occurred between October 2011 and September 2013.
As a result of the suspect’s guilty plea, he will likely be sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The suspect will also have to register as a convicted sex offender under Megan’s Law. This means that he will be prohibited from having any contact with anyone under the age of 18.
Prior to being sentenced, the suspect will be evaluated at the New Jersey Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Professionals at the clinic will determine if the suspect should be classified as a compulsive and repetitive sex offender in need of treatment.
For more information about this case, view the DailyRecord.com article entitled “Ex-Mentor for Youths in Rockaway Admits Sexual Abuse.”
