Bergen County Priest Allegedly Pointed Gun At 8-Year-Old: Prosecutor

A Roman Catholic priest who has served at several parishes throughout Bergen County, including St. John’s in Hillsdale, was arrested Friday after he allegedly pointed a gun at an 8-year-old parishioner, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said.

Father Kevin Carter, 55, of St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church in Little Ferry, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, Molinelli said.

The 8-year-old and several family members arrived at the church for mass on Sunday, Sept. 13; prior to the start of mass, Carter allegedly asked to see the boy in one of the rectory rooms, Molinelli said.

Once the boy was in the room, Carter allegedly had him stand against a wall, retrieved a long gun from nearby and pointed it at the child “with an indication that he would shoot him,” authorities said; several people who were outside the room allegedly saw Carter point the gun at the boy.

Authorities found out about the allegation after a parishioner of St. Margaret’s told Newark Archdiocese officials Sept. 25 about the alleged incident, Molinelli said.

The Archdiocese informed the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office about the alleged assault Monday, authorities said.

Detectives interviewed Carter Friday and found the weapon, a functioning Civil War-style musket, along with gunpowder, ammunition, and other items for the gun, authorities said. Carter was subsequently arrested.

Bail was set at $15,000 with a 10 percent option. Carter must have no contact with the alleged victim and surrender all firearms as conditions of his bail.

Carter remained in custody at Little Ferry Police Headquarters as of Friday night, authorities said.

Carter was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in Newark in 1986. He served at several parishes throughout Bergen County from 1987 to 1998, including St. John’s from 1993 to 1997. He began serving at St. Margaret of Cortona in February 2013.

(Pictured: Father Kevin Carter, 55/Courtesy of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office)