Ex-Teacher Charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of Juveniles in in Elizabeth, NJ
An ex-teacher at a middle school in Elizabeth, NJ was recently indicted on sexual assault charges. The defendant is Robert Goodlin, a 75-year-old man who previously taught at an Elizabeth middle school. Goodlin has been accused of sexually assaulting two underage students numerous times over a period of approximately 10 years.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit started an investigation into Goodlin and ultimately concluded that he should be arrested and criminally charged. According to law enforcement officials, Goodlin sexually assaulted one juvenile victim from 1993 to 1998 while he worked as an industrial technology teacher at Joseph Battin School No. 4 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Goodlin allegedly sexually assaulted the second underage victim in 2002 and 2003.
Despite the allegations against him, Goodlin was allowed to resign his teaching position at the Elizabeth, NJ middle school without being terminated. This allowed Goodlin to later work as a substitute teacher in other NJ school districts. Now the New Jersey legislature is looking to prevent this from happening in the future by passing a law to require schools to disclose sexual abuse allegations against teachers.
Severe Penalties for Sexual Assault in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Both alleged victims in the sex crime case were under 18. As a result, Goodlin has been charged with aggravated sexual assault. Unless Goodlin works out a plea agreement with prosecutors, he will probably stand trial in Union County Superior Court. He was already indicted by a Union County grand jury on 14 criminal counts: aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child.
If the eventual trial results in Goodlin being convicted on the aggravated sexual assault charges, he would face significant prison time. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, aggravated sexual assault is a first degree felony that carries a penalty of 10-20 years in NJ State Prison.
Free Consultation with an Experienced Union County Sex Crime Lawyer About Sexual Assault Charges
Were you arrested and charged with sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, child endangerment, or any other sex crime in Union County or Morris County, NJ? Then you should talk to a qualified criminal defense lawyer immediately. Travis J. Tormey is a skilled criminal attorney who can help you beat your charges. Contact him now to schedule a free initial consultation.