NJ teacher, basketball coach charged with sexually assaulting teen

JACKSON, N.J. (WTXF) - A teacher and basketball coach from New Jersey has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenager, prosecutors announced Monday.

William J. O'Neill, 53, of Jackson, New Jersey, was charged with aggravated sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses

The victim, who is between the ages of 13 and 16, alleges that O'Neill began the sexual abuse in the summer of 2018 and continued until just this past week.

O'Neill is currently employed as a teacher and basketball coach at Jackson Memorial High School. As of Tuesday morning, O'Neill's 'teacher page' was still active on the school's website, along with the following note:

"Due to an unexpected absence, Mr. O'Neill's classes will be taken over by one of our Jackson Memorial High School teachers...for the rest of the semester."

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Stephanie Bayha of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office at 7230929-2027 or Det. Michael Goelz of the Jackson Township Police Department at 732-928-111.