Little Ferry Priest Arrested for Pointing Gun at 8-year-old Boy

By Paul Nichols
Bergen Dispatch
October 2, 2015

http://bergendispatch.com/articles/37326829/Little-Ferry-Priest-Arrested-For-Pointing-Gun-At-8-Year-Old-Boy.aspx

The Bergen County Prosecutor announced the arrest of Father Kevin Carter, 54, of St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church in Little Ferry, New Jersey on charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Aggravated Assault by Pointing a Firearm. The arrest came about as a result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Victims Unit and the Little Ferry Police Department.

On Friday, September 25, 2015, a parishioner of St. Margaret of Cortona Church made officials of the Newark Archdiocese aware of an alleged incident that took place at the church several weeks prior, involving a priest of the parish pointing a firearm at an eight year old child.

On Monday, September 28, 2015, the Archdiocese made the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office aware of the allegation. Once learning of the alleged assault, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Victims Unit initiated a joint investigation with the Little Ferry Police Department.

The investigation revealed the following: On Sunday, September 13, 2015, the victim and several family members arrived at the church for Sunday services. Prior to the mass beginning, Father Kevin Carter asked to see him in one of the rectory rooms. Once in the room, Father Carter had the victim stand against a wall. He then retrieved a long gun from nearby and pointed it at the child with an indication that he would shoot him. This was witnessed by several individuals that were standing outside of the room.

On Friday, October 2, 2015, Father Carter was located at the rectory and interviewed by detectives. A search of his room located the weapon in question, as well as gun powder, ammunition and associated items for the gun. The weapon was found to be a functioning civil war style musket. Father Carter was subsequently placed under arrest.