March 25, 2026 - by Herman Law
A New Jersey college administrator with decades of involvement in youth sports organizations has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy — and prosecutors warn there may be additional survivors.
James Hadley, 66, of Barnegat, New Jersey, was recently appointed as a dean at Ocean County College and had previously served as a youth basketball coach in Ocean County. He was arrested on March 13, 2026, after traveling from Ocean County to Pleasantville to meet the child in person.
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Hadley faces four charges: second-degree sexual assault of a victim under the age of 16, second-degree luring a minor to commit a sexual act, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The charges are based on at least three incidents.
Investigators say Hadley used Zangi Private Messenger, a messaging app, to contact the child. The investigation began when family members found the messages on the boy’s phone and notified police. Authorities subsequently took control of the phone and communicated with Hadley, ultimately arranging a meeting at the boy’s Pleasantville residence, where detectives were waiting. According to an affidavit, Hadley allegedly referred to paying the child for prior encounters and had $200 in cash on him when he arrived.
At a detention hearing on March 18, 2026, Superior Court Judge W. Todd Miller ordered Hadley to remain in jail pending trial. He is next due in court on April 24.
CBS News Philadelphia’s review of records revealed that Hadley’s reach into youth programs across the region was substantial. The Barnegat Basketball Club, with which he had reportedly been involved for decades, terminated him following his arrest. Barnegat Little League disclosed he had served on its board through 2022. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey confirmed a roughly seven-month mentoring engagement in 2019.
In the wake of his arrest, Ocean County College suspended Hadley from his position as dean, and Kean University terminated his contract as an adjunct instructor.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds has urged parents and guardians whose children may have had contact with Hadley to speak with them directly. A family member of the child expressed similar concern, noting Hadley’s longstanding presence around youth programs across the region.
Institutions that place individuals in positions of trust over children have a responsibility to vet, monitor, and act on warning signs. When those safeguards fail, the harm is preventable — and organizations that ignore red flags or fail to protect the children in their care may bear civil liability for that failure.
At Herman Law, we exclusively represent survivors of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits against the institutions that failed to protect them. We understand how difficult it is to come forward, particularly when the person who caused harm was a trusted figure in your community.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse in a youth organization, school, or other institution, you may have legal options. Contact Herman Law for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Herman Law does not represent any victims of sexual abuse or assault referenced in this article.
Andersen, E., & Sylves, N. (2026, March 19). Prosecutors warn New Jersey youth coach accused of sexually assaulting minor may have victimized others. CBS Philadelphia. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/prosecutors-warn-new-jersey-youth-coach-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-minor-may-have-victimized-others/
Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. (2026, March 16). Ocean County man arrested for sexual assault of a victim under 16 years old [Press release]. https://assets.opspolice.network/resources/agency/182/pdf/20260316-cV9hUPpcPLlPHsCM.pdf
6abc Digital Staff. (2026, March 18). NJ college dean, former youth sports coach to remain in jail in child sex assault case. 6abc Philadelphia (WPVI-TV). https://6abc.com/post/ocean-county-college-dean-former-youth-sports-coach-remain-jail-child-sex-assault-case/18732460/
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by an attorney at Herman Law, with legal experience in helping victims of sexual abuse.
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