NJ Cheer Coach Sexually Assaulted Minors, Mom Charged With Witness Tampering: Police

Update: Angela Ryker was charged Monday with criminal attempt and witness tampering in relation to the investigation into her son, Jonathan Ryker, according to Medford Township police.

SOUTHAMPTON, NJ — A South Jersey cheerleading coach, who was popular on TikTok, sexually assaulted minors, authorities announced Friday. Jonathan P. Ryker coached the victims at a cheer academy in Southampton, according to State Police.

His mother, Angela Ryker, was also charged Monday in relation to the investigation, according to Medford Township police.

Last August, law enforcement began investigating Jonathan Ryker for explicit content he sent a minor through social media, police said. During the eight-month investigation, detectives say they identified another victim of the Hammonton resident who was also a student at Rockstar Cheer.

Jonathan Ryker, 25, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child. Officials placed him in Burlington County Jail, pending a detention hearing.

Angela Ryker was charged Monday with criminal attempt and witness tampering.

Jonathan Ryker amassed more than 25,000 TikTok followers and is featured in several cheerleading-related videos on the app. As of Monday morning, his account is private, and his profile says "No bio yet."

The number of suspected victims wasn't immediately clear.

Anyone who may have been a victim can contact the New Jersey State Police Red Lion Station at 609-859-2282. The agency welcomes anonymous tips.