By: Richard L. Smith
A veteran Monmouth County corrections officer is facing criminal charges after authorities alleged he brought his teenage son to a local park to fight another juvenile and coached him during the confrontation.
According to a statement released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Anthony R. Sanchez, 44, a 19-year veteran Corrections Officer at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, employing a juvenile to commit a criminal offense and aggravated assault.
An investigation conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit and Hazlet Police Department found that in July, Sanchez allegedly took his 14-year-old son to a park specifically to engage in a physical altercation with another teenager.
Investigators further allege that Sanchez encouraged the confrontation and provided his son with detailed instructions on how to fight while the altercation was taking place.
Authorities said neither teenager suffered serious bodily injuries.
Sanchez was arrested Wednesday, September 23, and later released under several conditions.
Prosecutors said he is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, having unsupervised contact with anyone under 18, possessing weapons, visiting public parks or coaching youth sports or activities.
He must also report monthly.
The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos of the Professional Responsibility Unit.