A New Jersey college community is reeling after the arrest of James Hadley, 66, a former dean at Ocean County College, who stands accused of sexually assaulting a minor.
The case, which also involves a civil lawsuit filed by the child’s family, has raised serious questions about oversight in educational and youth programs and the safety of children under the supervision of adults in positions of authority.
Hadley, of Barnegat, faces multiple criminal charges, including second-degree sexual assault of a child under 16, second-degree luring a minor to commit a sexual act, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, according to Jersey Shore Online.
Authorities said he traveled from Ocean County to Pleasantville on March 13 intending to meet a juvenile for sexual purposes.
Detectives arrested him at a predetermined location before any contact occurred, citing prior encounters in which Hadley allegedly paid the same child for sexual acts.
Court documents indicate that Hadley communicated with the minor via the encrypted messaging app Zangi and reportedly arrived at the meeting with $200 in cash and a bottle of lubricant, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jasmine Ostrow during a detention hearing, as reported by NJ.com.
Family members discovered the messages and contacted authorities, prompting a coordinated response by the Pleasantville Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.
During a virtual detention hearing, prosecutors emphasized that Hadley “poses a very clear and present danger to the community,” citing his access to other potential victims.
Judge W. Todd Miller agreed, ordering Hadley to remain in custody while the investigation continues and warning that additional offenses could surface. A pre-indictment conference is scheduled for April 24.
The civil lawsuit, filed in Caldwell Superior Court by the child’s family, details Hadley’s professional and volunteer roles, including his tenure as dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences at Ocean County College, his work as an adjunct professor at Kean University, and his participation in youth basketball programs, Little League, and travel teams.
The complaint alleges negligence, gross negligence, and willful misconduct, claiming Hadley failed to protect children under his supervision.
Both colleges acted swiftly after learning of the arrest.
Ocean County College suspended Hadley and restricted his campus access, while Kean University terminated his adjunct contract.
Records show Hadley also volunteered with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey and other local youth programs.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds urged parents to speak with children who may have had contact with Hadley, noting multiple incidents are under investigation, CBS News reported.
Local officials and families are scrutinizing safeguards for children in positions of trust, while law enforcement continues its investigation.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance in educational and extracurricular programs and highlights the risks when adults in authority allegedly abuse that trust.
Hadley remains presumed innocent under New Jersey law until proven guilty.
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