Newark – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced today that John Kane, 39, of Sparta, has been charged with four counts of sexual assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
It is alleged that Kane, a former wrestling coach at Newark Academy in Livingston, sexually assaulted the 15-year-old victim on April 26, 2026. The complaint alleges that the defendant transported the victim to the parking lot at the St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston where the sexual assault took place. The victim is not a student at Newark Academy.
Kane was previously involved with the Livingston Youth Wrestling Program, the West Essex Regional School District, the Township of Livingston, and The Work Family Connection, an after-school program, that services Morris, Warren, Union, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties.
This investigation is active and ongoing.
These are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
JOHN KANE
