Probation For Ex-Ocean City Lifeguard In Teen Sex Assault: Prosecutor

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A former member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol and Pleasantville teacher was sentenced to four years probation after sexual assault allegations against the beach patrol sparked an investigation.

Jonathan Howell, 42, will also forfeit any future public employment as a result of the sentencing, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced.

The Marmora resident's sentencing came as a result of social media posts about the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

An Instagram account called "ocbp_predators" was created in April of 2021. Its bio says it shares "the untold stories of pedophiles, predators, and inappropriate behavior on the beaches of America’s Greatest Family Resort."

The page is filled with more than 150 anonymous posts sharing stories of sexual assault and harassment by Beach Patrol members to fellow employees and beachgoers. Read more: Prosecutors Probe Allegations Against Ocean City Beach Patrol

Howell was indicted on Jan. 21, 2023 on charges of first degree aggravated sexual assault, second degree sexual assault, second degree official misconduct and two counts of third degree endangering the welfare of a child.

He pleaded guilty to second degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Sutherland said that "his office will continue to work hand in hand with the local municipalities to aggressively investigate and prosecute violent crimes within the County and he would like to recognize the investigative efforts of the officers and detectives involved in this investigation along with Senior Assistant Prosecutor Bryna Batten who prosecuted this case."