Sports
Former NJ Coach Sexually Assaulted Teen In Hospital Parking Lot: Prosecutors
The Sussex County resident has links to programs in Livingston and the Caldwells, and an afterschool program that runs in multiple counties.
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A former coach with links to wrestling programs across the West Essex region has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old victim in the parking lot of a local hospital, authorities say.
On Wednesday, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against John Kane, 39, of Sparta.
Prosecutors are alleging that the assault took place after Kane drove the teen to a parking lot at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston on April 26.
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Kane is a former wrestling coach at Newark Academy, a private school with a campus in Livingston. The victim is not a student at the school, authorities said.
Kane was previously involved with the Livingston Youth Wrestling Program, the West Essex Regional School District, the Township of Livingston, and The Work Family Connection, an after-school program, that services Morris, Warren, Union, Somerset and Hunterdon counties, prosecutors said.
Find out what's happening in Livingstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Kane has been charged with four counts of sexual assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. An investigation into the allegations continues, prosecutors said.
Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com
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