Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey announced today that a former Dunellen Recreation Director and ex-Middlesex County Men’s College basketball coach was found guilty by a jury on 20 criminal counts.
According to officials, Christopher Tarver, 45, of Jackson Township was found guilty of 20 counts including 8 counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree, one count of engaging in a pattern of official misconduct in the second degree, one count of sexual assault in the second degree, 5 counts of criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree, 4 counts of official misconduct in the fourth degree, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child in the third degree by possessing child pornography.
“Frequently, child sexual predators actively seek out positions which allow them access to children, such as coaching. In some cases, sexual predators may change positions frequently to avoid detection. In order to stop such horrific sexual abuse, it is extremely important that background checks be conducted and detailed questions be asked of prior employers anytime someone is applying for a job which requires interaction with children,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said.
During a five week trial that began on October 10, 2017, Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Brian Shevlin presented evidence and testimony showing that on various dates between June 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011, when Tarver was a coach and recreation director he engaged in multiple sexual acts with a child in Edison, Dunellen, and Atlantic City. Tarver was also found in possession of child pornography in Jackson Township on April 8, 2014 during the execution of a search warrant.
During the two years when the crimes were committed, Tarver had supervisory power and the legal duty or responsibility for the care of the victim who was under 18 years of age.
Tarver still faces criminal charges in cases involving three other child victims for sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct.
The investigation began after one of the victims, now an adult, notified authorities. That victim was a member of the Monmouth Power Sports Club, a travelling basketball team affiliated with the AAU. Tarver had been the coach and executive director of the team since 1995.
According to authorities, Tarver began working as the Dunellen Recreation Director in 2004, but was suspended soon after he was arrested in 2014. Tarver was employed as a men’s basketball coach at Middlesex County College from October 21, 2006 to March 5, 2014 and became the college’s head basketball coach on June 24, 2010.