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	Better Camden Is Student's Goal By Pete McCarthy pmccarthy@sjnewsco.com Cloucester County Times April 13, 2006 http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/local/index.ssf? /base/news-3/114491673667760.xml&coll=8 GLOUCESTER CITY -- A long-time Gloucester Catholic High School teacher and golf coach has been accused of having sexual contact with a student approximately 20 years ago while out of state, leading to his resignation. Gerald Scharff, 63, stepped down last week after the allegations of "inappropriate touching" were made by the man who attended Gloucester Catholic in the mid-1980s, according to Andrew Walton, spokesman for the Diocese of Camden. "It's not clear whether it was school sponsored or not," Walton said of the alleged event. He declined to identify the state in which the alleged incident occurred or the circumstances around it to protect the identity of the accuser. The Camden County Prosecutor's Office announced on Wednesday it would not be investigating these allegations because they reportedly took place out of state. "We are satisfied that the appropriate authorities in the state where the events allegedly happened have been notified by the diocese," according to a statement from the county Prosecutor's Office. The school planned to place Scharff on administrative leave while an investigation was completed by the diocese's review board -- responsible for investigating all claims of sexual abuse by clergy, religious or employees from with the Camden Diocese. The sister of another alumnus first reported an alleged incident of abuse to the diocese in January, but those statements could not be verified by her brother who declined to file a complaint, Walton said. Both allegations were reported to law enforcement. A letter was sent to parents of current students at the high school on Monday, notifying them of the allegations and ongoing criminal investigation. In the days since the letter went home, no additional complaints have been received regarding Scharff, according to Walton. To report an allegation of abuse to the diocese, call (800) 964-6588. Scharff was hired by Gloucester Catholic in 1977 and taught math and social studies. He had coached the golf team since 1977 and was athletic director from 1979 until 1999. Scharff's salary was not available Wednesday.
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