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Stewart Ryan, Esq. - NJ Abuse Guardian
Hi - I'm Stewart. I am an attorney that practices in New Jersey and I am a former sex crimes prosecutor. I worked on the the team that prosecuted Bill Cobsy. Trust me with your case, and I promise to not let you down.
A shocking case of alleged sexual abuse has emerged in Trenton, New Jersey, involving a former teacher and basketball coach. Darrell Moody, 51, of Plainfield, was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a former student over a period of five years.
The alleged abuse began in 2014 when Moody was a 5th-grade teacher at Parker Elementary School. According to acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa Hilton, the victim reported that the sexual assaults continued through their time in middle school and into high school, spanning from 2014 to 2019.
Moody faces multiple charges, including:
The investigation began in May when the victim came forward to report the allegations. At the time of the alleged incidents, Moody was not only a teacher but also served as a basketball coach at Joyce Kilmer Middle School.
This is not Moody's first encounter with the law. In an unrelated case on June 27, 2023, he was charged with endangering the welfare of children and soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information about this case to come forward. The Mercer County Prosecutor's Special Victims Unit can be contacted at (609) 989-6568 or via email at mcposvu@mercercounty.org.
Cases like this highlight the importance of understanding the legal options available to victims of school-related sexual abuse. Victims may have the right to pursue civil action against not only the perpetrator but also potentially the school district if negligence can be proven.
Stewart Ryan, Esq., a seasoned attorney with Abuse Guardians, offers his perspective on this case: "The allegations against Darrell Moody are deeply troubling and highlight the vulnerability of students to potential predators in positions of authority. It's crucial for victims to understand that they have legal recourse beyond criminal prosecution. Civil lawsuits can provide a path to justice and compensation for the trauma endured.
Moreover, these cases often reveal systemic failures within educational institutions. Schools have a duty to protect their students, and when they fail to do so, they may be held accountable. As we see in this case, abuse can persist for years, causing long-lasting damage to victims. It's imperative that schools implement robust screening processes, maintain vigilant oversight, and create safe channels for reporting suspicious behavior.
At Abuse Guardians, we're committed to supporting victims through the legal process and holding all responsible parties accountable. We encourage any victims or witnesses of abuse to come forward and seek legal counsel to understand their rights and options."
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