Catholic Parish Coach Accused of Sex Act with Teen
By Suzanne Russell
A township man who is a girls basketball coach for an Edison Catholic parish is facing aggravated criminal sexual contact charges after he allegedly performed a sex act in the presence of a 14-year-old girl at his home. Darren Ventre, 40, of the Fords section, was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with allegedly repeatedly performing a sex act in the teen’s presence, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey. Carey said Ventre is being held at Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick on $75,000 bail. According to Carey, Ventre volunteered as athletic director and coach of the girls basketball team at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, 81 Seymour Ave., Edison. The team included girls from the school and the parish. Ventre allegedly brought the teenage girl to his home and performed the sex act on a number of occasions over an extended period. The investigation began after the girl told a counselor, who contacted the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Carey said. Ventre was arrested and charged during an investigation by Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Grace Brown and Woodbridge Detective Tina Small. Erin Friedlander, Diocese of Metuchen communications officer, said the diocese was notified of the allegations involving Ventre. “Be assured, we take this matter very seriously. The protection of children, teens and young adults is paramount and is a shared responsibility in our communities,” she said in a statement. “According to our long-standing policy, the diocese is cooperating fully with law-enforcement officials and will continue to cooperate during the investigation process. “The diocese is committed to being as transparent and open as possible about this matter with members of the community, within the confines of respect for the privacy and reputation of the individuals involved. As we are able to share more information with the community, we will do so. Today and in the days ahead, we offer our deepest prayers for all parties affected by this matter, especially the alleged victim and her family.” The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Grace Brown at 732-745-3600 or Woodbridge Detective Tina Small at 732-643-7700. Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com
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