By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on March 5, 2025, David Taber, 67, of Berkeley Township, was found guilty of Criminal Sexual Contact in connection with an incident that occurred in Berkeley Township on March 22, 2023, following an almost week-long jury trial before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that in rendering its verdict, the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Taber, while a patient at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, committed an act of criminal sexual contact upon a nurse at the facility.
Taber is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Palmer on May 9, 2025, at which time he faces up to 18 months New Jersey State Prison, OCPO officials say.
According to Ocean County officials, on March 22, 2023, at approximately 6:50 p.m., officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Center for a report of a patient touching a female nurse in an inappropriate manner.
Ocean County authorities said that an investigation by responding Officers determined that while the victim was attempting to administer medication to Taber, he touched her breast without her consent, placed her in a bear-hug, and attempted to pull down her pants.
A co-worker then intervened and separated the two, OCPO officials stated. 
Taber was charged accordingly and served with the charges via summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court, according to Ocean County officials.