Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced the arrest of Father Kevin Carter, 54, of St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church in Little Ferry, on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault by pointing a firearm.
On Friday, September 25, 2015, a parishioner of St. Margaret of Cortona Church made officials of the Newark Archdiocese aware of an alleged incident that took place at the church several weeks prior, involving a priest of the parish pointing a firearm at an 8-year-old child.
On Monday, September 28, 2015, the Archdiocese made the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office aware of the allegation. Once learning of the alleged assault, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Victims Unit initiated a joint investigation with the Little Ferry Police Department.
The investigation revealed the following: On Sunday, September 13, 2015, the victim and several family members arrived at the church for Sunday services.
Prior to the mass beginning, Father Kevin Carter asked to see him in one of the rectory rooms. Once in the room, Father Carter had the victim stand against a wall. He then retrieved a long gun from nearby and pointed it at the child with an indication that he would shoot him. This was witnessed by several individuals that were standing outside of the room.
On Friday, October 2, 2015, Father Carter was located at the rectory and interviewed by detectives. A search of his room located the weapon in question, as well as gun powder, ammunition and associated items for the gun. The weapon was found to be a functioning civil war style musket.
Father Carter was subsequently placed under arrest.
Kevin Carter was charged with one (1) count of 4th degree Aggravated Assault by Pointing a Firearm and one (1) count of 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
His bail was set by the Honorable John J. Langan, J.S.C., at $15,000.00 with ten percent option, no contact with the victim and the surrender of all firearms as a condition of bail.
Father Carter remains in custody at Little Ferry Police Headquarters at this time.