BECAUSE I BELIEVE YOU
SCHEDULE A CALLSCHEDULE A CALLIn a recent development that has alarmed the Englewood community, a 21-year-old after-school program aide, identified as Johnathan Jones of Bloomingdale, has been apprehended on charges of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. The incident reportedly occurred at Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School, situated at 325 Tenafly Rd, Englewood, NJ 07631, during the SunFun at McCloud After School Program. This program, which is designed for students in grades three through five, operates five days a week and is a part of the Englewood Recreation Department, separate from the school district's direct employment.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office has charged Jones with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault by sexual contact, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. These charges came about following an incident on December 1, 2023, with Jones being taken into custody the following day. The arrest was a result of a swift investigation initiated after the Englewood Police Department was alerted to the alleged assault.
Marnie Hazelton, the Superintendent of the Englewood Public School District, confirmed the occurrence of the assault within the after-school program and has taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of all students involved in the program. Jones has been removed from his position, and the district is actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation. In a communication to parents, Superintendent Hazelton expressed the district's commitment to student safety and the seriousness with which they are treating the allegations, though specific details could not be disclosed due to the investigation's nature.
The community has been left reeling from the news, prompting a call from local authorities for anyone with additional information to come forward. This case not only highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting children in educational settings but also raises questions about the measures in place to prevent such incidents.
In light of these events, we spoke with Laura Laughlin, Esq., a New Jersey-based attorney specializing in child sex abuse cases, to understand the legal avenues available to victims and their families. Laura emphasized the possibility of pursuing civil cases against responsible parties, including the school district, the employee, and any other entities involved in the child's care during the program. She clarified the distinction between criminal and civil cases, noting that while criminal cases seek to hold the accused accountable under the law, civil cases aim to compensate the victims. Laura advised victims and their families to consult with experienced child sexual abuse attorneys to navigate the complexities of such cases effectively.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safety protocols and oversight in programs catering to children. As the investigation continues, the Englewood community stands together, seeking justice for the victim and measures to prevent future occurrences of such distressing incidents.
Source:
