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Breaking Legal News
A troubling case has emerged in Burlington County, where a 44-year-old Mount Holly resident, Shawn Tracey, faces serious allegations involving repeated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13. Authorities announced his arrest on Friday, revealing multiple charges tied to incidents spanning two years at various locations across the county.
The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office has described Tracey as a deacon affiliated with the Burlington Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 256 Conover St, Burlington, NJ 08016, though this has been contested by the church's pastor, who characterized him as an active member rather than holding any official title.
Tracey has been charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of debauching the morals of a child, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of exposing obscene material to a minor. He was taken into custody on Tuesday, according to 6 ABC.
Paulette Gando, a Bergen County resident who identifies as a person of faith, expressed profound sadness over the allegations. “It’s heartbreaking to hear this from individuals who are supposed to uphold moral and ethical standards,” she said.
The NJ Conference of Seventh Day Adventists issued a statement addressing the situation, calling it deeply distressing and emphasizing their commitment to creating a safe environment for children and youth within the church. The statement noted that they are reviewing safety protocols and safeguarding measures, urging prayers and compassion during this challenging time.
Efforts to reach Tracey at his Mount Holly residence on Friday were unsuccessful. A neighbor, speaking off-camera, described him as “an alright guy,” though these allegations now paint a starkly different picture.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or concerns that their child may have been affected to contact the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office by phone at 609-265-5035 or submit tips online at tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
The case has left many in the community grappling with shock and dismay, calling attention to the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of society.
Survivors of church related sexual abuse often face overwhelming challenges, particularly when the accused holds a trusted position within their community or religious institution. To better understand the legal options available and the responsibilities of organizations in these situations, experienced New Jersey sexual abuse attorney Stewart Ryan shares his perspective. His insights offer clarity on how survivors can seek accountability and justice while navigating the complexities of such cases.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Ryan. In cases like this, where the accused is a member of a church, what legal avenues are available for survivors or their families?
Attorney Stewart Ryan: Thank you for having me, Darla. Survivors of sexual abuse, particularly in cases involving institutions like churches, have several legal options. They can pursue criminal charges, as we’re seeing here, which are brought forward by the state. In addition, survivors or their families can file civil lawsuits against the individual perpetrator and potentially the institution if negligence can be demonstrated.
Medina: Could you elaborate on how an institution, like a church, might be held responsible?
Ryan: Certainly. If a church or its leadership was aware of the individual’s behavior or failed to implement adequate safeguards to protect children, they could be held accountable for negligence. This might include failing to conduct background checks, ignoring complaints, or not having clear policies for reporting and addressing misconduct.
Medina: What challenges do survivors typically face when coming forward in cases like this?
Ryan: Survivors often face emotional barriers, fear of not being believed, and concerns about retaliation, especially in tight-knit communities. Legally, there can also be challenges related to statutes of limitations, though New Jersey has made significant progress in extending these timelines to allow survivors more time to file claims.
Medina: For anyone who suspects abuse or believes they may have a claim, what steps would you advise?
Ryan: The first step is to report any suspected abuse to law enforcement. Simultaneously, they should seek legal counsel to understand their rights and options. Law enforcement and legal teams can work in tandem to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard and that those responsible are held accountable.
If your child has been sexually abused by a teacher or any trusted authority figure, you don’t have to face this alone. Legal options are available to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. Our experienced team is here to provide guidance and support. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and let us help you fight for the justice your family deserves.
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