Ocean County College dean faces charges for sexually assaulting a minor, according to prosecutors.

James Hadley, a former dean at Ocean County College, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor, as confirmed by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday. Hadley, a 65-year-old resident of Barnegat in Ocean County, was taken into custody last Friday in Pleasantville, Atlantic County. The charges stem from allegations that he traveled to the area to engage in sexual acts with a juvenile.

Hadley was recently appointed as the dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences at Ocean County College earlier this year. Following the notification from law enforcement regarding the allegations, the college took immediate measures. In an emailed statement, the institution disclosed that Hadley had been suspended and barred from the campus. An interim dean has since been appointed to oversee his responsibilities during this period.

The college emphasized that there are no prior records of any complaints or reports concerning Hadley’s conduct while employed there. It stated its commitment to cooperating fully with the law enforcement investigation, which is currently underway, and indicated that additional comments would not be made while the case remains open.

The charges against Hadley include second-degree sexual assault involving a victim under the age of 16, second-degree luring a minor to commit a sexual act, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. According to the prosecutor’s office, these charges arise from three alleged incidents that occurred within the current month. Investigators believe that Hadley previously met with the child for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, for which he allegedly paid the victim.

The investigation is being conducted by the Pleasantville Police Department, with support from the Special Victims Unit of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. The nature of the accusations has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues surrounding child safety and the legal responsibilities of educational institutions. As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of thorough investigations in safeguarding the welfare of minors.

Media News Source continues to monitor the situation, with ongoing updates expected as more information becomes available.