Statements from the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

Statements from the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

A statement from the president and CEO of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades

Today the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades learned that the Bergen County Prosecutor has filed charges against a former camp counselor. This counselor, who is a minor, was immediately suspended by the camp upon learning of the alleged incident. We continue to cooperate fully with the local authorities in their investigation.

At the Neil Klatskin Day Camp, as well as throughout the entire JCC, the safety and security of all of our children is of primary concern. In addition to the rigorous safety protocols and procedures that were already in place, we have instituted additional safeguards to ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved and their families.

Tina Guberman, president
Avi A. Lewinson, CEO

Statement from Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced the arrest of a 16 year old juvenile on charges of Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit under the direction of Chief Carmen Martino and the Tenafly Police Department under the direction of Chief Robert Chamberlain.

On July 28, 2014, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit were contacted by the Tenafly Police Department who reported that a 16 year old male camp counselor had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with several six (6) year old male campers. The incidents which occurred at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Neil Klatskin Day Camp, were reported by another employee at the camp. The employee then notified supervisors at the Day Camp who subsequently notified the Tenafly Police Department.
Every child under the care of the juvenile actor was brought to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and forensically interviewed by detectives from the Special Victims Unit. During those interviews, it was determined that three of the children made disclosures involving inappropriate sexual touching. The ensuing investigation resulted in the arrest of the juvenile actor on August 12, 2014.

The juvenile actor was charged with three (3) counts of Sexual Assault and three (3) counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center where he was later released into the custody of his parents and mandated to wear an electronic monitoring device.

Prosecutor Molinelli states that these charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and would also like to thank the Tenafly Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

read more:
comments