Child Care Worker Assaulted Two Children In Metuchen: Prosecutor

METUCHEN, NJ — A local child care worker is accused of assaulting two children during an outing to the Metuchen YMCA in January, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said.

Karl Lancaster, 48, of Iselin, worked caring for children in the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency when the alleged assault happened, Carey said. Lancaster was directed employed by Youth Consultation Services at the Laurie Haven Home in Edison.

On Jan. 22, Lancaster took three male children to the Metuchen YMCA for recreation time, Carey said. During this outing, Lancaster is accused of assaulting two children who were under his care.

An investigation into the alleged assault began on April 14, when Metuchen police were alerted. Lancaster was arrested and charged on Tuesday with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of two minor children.

Lancaster has been fired from the Laurie Haven Home.