Barnegat Man Named On Boy Scout Leader Sex Abuse List

BARNEGAT, N.J. — A Barnegat man was one of more than 50 New Jersey Boy Scout leaders named on a list Tuesday by lawyers who represent victims of sexual abuse. John T Fitzgerald pleaded guilty in 1989 to assaulting a 15-year-old.

He was sentenced to four years in the state Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center, according to an Asbury Park Press article in 1990. The sentencing prohibited Fitzgerald from employment or social activities involving minors, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

On Tuesday,the law firms of Greg Gianforcaro and Jeff Anderson & Associates provided the list of more than 50 Boy Scout leaders who worked in New Jersey and were named in the organization's "perversion files," according to Mike Finnegan, an attorney with the firm. Read more: Over 50 NJ Boy Scout Leaders Accused Of Sexual Abuse Named

Fitzgerald served as committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 26, Waretown, and coached the Barnegat Pee Wee Soccer team, according to the archive. He worked in Stafford Township. Boys Scouts of America documents say he was a gas station attendant.

The first incident occurred in March 1987, when Fitzgerald invited a boy to help clean up the camp, officials told the Asbury Park Press. The second happened March 21, 1988, when the victim was staying at the camp with his Scout troop, the OCPO told the Asbury Park Press.

"I just did this two times and I know I need help," Fitzgerald said at the trial. "I beg the court's indulgence and leniency."

Fitzgerald was 31 at the time of the second offense. The victim's scoutmaster reported the assault. Fitzgerald was arrested May 28, 1988, the Asbury Park Press reported. A Boy Scouts of America document recommending Fitzgerald's denial of registration with the organization is dated May 31, 1988.

Fitzgerald was examined by state physicians as per state law for all sex offenders. The test results determined Fitzgerald had a propensity for being a repetitive and compulsive offender of this type of crime, according to George K. Koukos, Fitzgerald's public defender.

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