Former Young’s Skating Center Skating Coach, Ralph Marinelli, Charged With Allegedly Sexually Abusing Teen Student Decades Ago

Former NJ Skating Coach Accused of Sexually Abusing Teen Student Decades Ago

A 75-year-old former roller skating instructor has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing a teenage girl he privately coached over a three-year period in the 1990s, following a months-long investigation by NJ State Police. NJ Skating Coach Charged With Sexually Abusing Teen Student at Young’s Skating Center.

Ralph Marinelli, of Ventnor, faces charges of sexual assault of a minor between 13 and 16 years old, along with sexual assault of a minor between 16 and 17 years old in a supervisory role, according to Atlantic County central municipal court records.

Victim Steps Forward with Allegations of Past Sexual Abuse During Skating Lessons

The woman, now in her late forties, first reported the alleged abuse to the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The nonprofit organization then passed the report along to local law enforcement in Atlantic County, setting off the investigation that led to Marinelli's arrest.

Allegations Allegedly Span Three Years at Young’s Skating Center in Mays Landing

According to the victim, Marinelli was her personal coach at Young's Skating Center in the Mays Landing area between 1992 and 1995. She said what became an inappropriate relationship began when she was just 14 years old — Marinelli was 40 at the time.

Investigators say Marinelli groomed and sexually abused the girl throughout that three-year stretch.

Substantial Evidence Allegedly Gathered By Investigators

Police compiled a substantial body of evidence supporting the allegations, including photographs of Marinelli and the victim together, along with cards, letters, and gifts he reportedly gave her during the years in question.

Also central to the case is a dated, handwritten journal kept by the victim, which documents her memories from that period, including entries describing the abuse.

Investigators say multiple witnesses corroborated the timeline, telling police they were aware of an inappropriate relationship between the coach and his young skater.

Three recorded phone calls between Marinelli and the woman reportedly touched on their past relationship. Investigators also captured an in-person meeting on recording during which the sexual relationship was discussed directly. On that recording, Marinelli is heard saying, "It should not have happened."

Authorities say Marinelli later gave the woman $500 in cash along with old mementos from her skating days.

Skating Center Responds to Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Instructor

Marinelli was let go from Young's Skating Center shortly after his arrest, according to the facility's owners.

"Young's Skating Center has been a family-run business for more than 50 years, and the safety and well-being of the children and families who trust us have always been our highest priority," said Jim and Judy Link, owners of the rink, in a written statement on Monday. "When we learned of the deeply troubling allegations against our now former employee and of his arrest, we terminated his employment and took steps to prevent him from reentering our building."

"We are saddened by this news, and our hearts go out to the person who came forward," the Links added. "We remain committed to keeping Young's Skating Center a safe and welcoming place for every family and child who skates with us."

Sexual Abuse Charges Against Skating Coach

Marinelli was charged on a warrant, and the prosecutor's office agreed to release him with conditions, citing his lack of a prior criminal record. Municipal Court Judge Billie Moore approved pre-trial monitoring at level three.

Moore declined to bar Marinelli from continuing to work at the skating rink. She did note, however, that should he be terminated, he would not be permitted to return to the property while the charges remain pending.

The factual information above was sourced from nj1015.com as of July 8, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

Legal Options When A Skating Instructor Is Accused Of Abusing A Child

When an authority figure like a skating instructor is accused of sexually abusing a child, families often face a confusing set of questions about what comes next. A New Jersey sexual abuse attorney spoke with us about how criminal charges and civil claims differ, what options may exist for victims and their families, and what steps parents should consider if they suspect abuse involving a coach or instructor.

Q: If a parent suspects their child was abused by a coach, what should they do first?

A: The first step is making sure the child is safe and supported, and then reporting the concern to law enforcement or a child protective agency. Parents don't need to have all the facts figured out before reporting. An investigation can help establish what happened, and getting the child connected with a counselor experienced in trauma can make a real difference early on.

Q: Can a family pursue a case even if criminal charges were never filed, or a case doesn't move forward criminally?

A: Yes. Criminal and civil cases operate independently of each other. A criminal case is brought by the state and can result in jail time or other penalties, while a civil case is brought by the victim or their family and focuses on financial compensation for the harm caused. A victim can often bring a civil claim regardless of whether prosecutors decide to press charges.

Q: Is there a time limit on when a victim can take legal action?

A: New Jersey has some of the most survivor-friendly laws in the country when it comes to child sexual abuse. The state has extended, and in some cases eliminated, deadlines for victims to come forward, recognizing that survivors often need years or even decades to process what happened to them and feel ready to speak about it.

Q: Who can be held responsible in these cases besides the abuser?

A: Depending on the circumstances, organizations that employed or supervised the abuser — such as a skating rink, sports club, or school — may also bear responsibility if they failed to properly screen, train, or supervise staff, or if they ignored warning signs. These cases often examine not just the individual's actions but the environment that allowed the abuse to happen.

Q: What would you say to a family who is hesitant to come forward?

A: Coming forward is a deeply personal decision, and there's no right timeline for doing so. Families should know that support is available, that they won't be judged for how long it took, and that speaking with an attorney costs nothing and carries no obligation. Understanding your options is often the first step toward healing.

Help Is Available — Reach Out Today

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by a coach, instructor, or other authority figure, you don't have to face it alone. Our team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and walk you through your legal options with care and discretion. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can help you take the next step forward.