Animal Control Officer Facing Child Sex Assault Trial No Longer Works For Princeton: Report

PRINCETON, NJ — Nate Barson is no longer employed by Princeton ahead of his trial on child sexual assault charges. Nate Barson, 29, of Lambertville, will go to trial next month on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, indecent assault, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility.

Barson was fired from his job as Animal Control Officer by Princeton this week, the Princeton Packet reports. The reasons given for Barson being fired were the expected extended duration of the trial, coupled with Barson’s need to be re-certified by the state. The town is now looking for someone to serve as its Animal Control Officer, as well as its Health Inspector.

Barson had been suspended without pay since his arrest in February. He is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old at the Pat Livezey Park in Solebury Township on Feb. 3. His trial is set to begin Sept. 13.

During a court appearance earlier this year, the alleged victim said he and Barson met on the the dating website Grinder. They continued to communicate on Snapchat before meeting in person at the park.

The alleged victim’s mother found them in Barson’s truck and was able to take down his license plate number before he left. She reported it to police, and Barson was subsequently arrested. He is currently out on bail.

The attached image of Nate Barson was previously provided