Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
NJ 101.5 reported that an afterschool aide has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a child under his supervision at Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School located at 325 Tenafly Rd, Englewood, NJ 07631. The accused, identified as 21-year-old Johnathan Jones from Bloomingdale, was taken into custody on Saturday, December 2, 2023, and was held at Bergen County jail.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Jones is facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault by sexual contact, and second-degree child endangerment. The charges stem from the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 that occurred on Friday, December 1, 2023, while Jones was supervising the child during the afterschool program.
The Englewood police were informed about the incident on the same day, leading to a swift response and investigation. Superintendent Marnie Hazelton confirmed that the assault took place during the SunFun at McCloud After School Program, which operates at the elementary school five days a week and caters to students in grades three, four, and five.
It was revealed that Jones was employed by the Englewood Recreation Department and not the school district. Superintendent Hazelton has assured parents that immediate action has been taken to ensure the safety of all student participants in the program, and the accused staff member has been removed from his position.
In a letter sent to parents the following Monday, Superintendent Hazelton acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and expressed her inability to disclose further details due to the ongoing investigation. However, she emphasized that the district is fully committed to cooperating with the authorities and providing support to the affected student and their family.
The news of this disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as parents and residents grapple with the unsettling reality that such an incident could occur in a place meant to nurture and protect children. The local authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
In response to the recent incident involving the arrest of an afterschool aide accused of sexual assault at a New Jersey elementary school, it seems more pressing to address the legal recourse available to victims and their families. To dig further into this complex issue, we sat down with New Jersey-based child sex abuse attorney, Brian Kent, Esq. Mr. Kent provided invaluable insights into pursuing civil cases against liable parties, the distinctions between criminal and civil proceedings, and key considerations victims and their families should bear in mind.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Mr. Kent, thank you for joining us today.
Brian Kent, Esq. (BK): Thank you, Darla. It's my pleasure to be here and provide information that may be helpful to victims and their families during such difficult times.
DM: Absolutely. When an after-school program employee sexually abuses an elementary student, what legal options do victims and their families have?
BK: Victims and their families may have the option to pursue civil cases against various parties who may be held accountable for the harm caused. Typically, these cases may involve the school district, the employee involved, their direct employer if other than the school, and potentially other entities or individuals responsible for the safety and well-being of the children during the afterschool program.
DM: Could you explain how civil cases differ from criminal cases in these situations?
BK: Certainly. Criminal cases are initiated by the state and focus on holding the accused criminally liable for their actions. In contrast, civil cases are filed by the victims or their families and aim to seek compensation for the harm endured. These cases focus on the legal responsibility of the parties involved and can provide victims with a sense of justice and financial support to aid in their recovery.
DM: That's an important distinction. What factors should victims and their families consider before pursuing a civil case?
BK: It's crucial for victims and their families to consult with an experienced child sex abuse attorney who can thoroughly assess their case. Factors such as the statute of limitations, evidence, and the specific laws governing civil cases in their jurisdiction need to be taken into account. Each case is unique, and a skilled attorney can guide them through the legal process and provide personalized advice based on their circumstances.
DM: Thank you for shedding light on these important considerations. Is there any additional information you would like to share with our readers?
BK: Absolutely. It's important for victims and their families to understand that they are not alone. Seeking legal representation from an attorney experienced in handling child sex abuse cases can provide them with the support, guidance, and resources needed to navigate the legal system. These cases can be complex and emotionally challenging, but taking legal action can help victims find closure and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Kent, for sharing your valuable insights with us today. We hope this information will be helpful to our readers who may be facing similar situations.
BK: Thank you, Darla. It was my pleasure to be here and provide some guidance on this important topic.
Sources:
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