A military services teacher at Paterson’s Eastside High School has been charged with multiple sexual offenses, as he is accused of touching and making inappropriate comments to a 16-year-old female student. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, as they continue to seek additional victims in this case.
According to a statement issued by Paterson Police Captain Heriberto Rodriguez, officials believe that there may be additional victims in the case against Trevor Sanders, who was arrested on Thursday, June 11th and is now facing charges for two counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
56-year-old Sanders allegedly touched the first female student on May 26th. Then, an investigation conducted by the Paterson Police Major Crimes Bureau reportedly discovered another alleged victim. Now, law enforcement officials have asked that anyone with additional information contact Detective Sergeant Ron Van Wolde of the Paterson Police Major Crimes Bureau at 973-321-1120.
With the case as it stands, Sanders could be subject to severe penalties if he is ultimately found guilty. He has been charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, which is typically a third degree crime in New Jersey. This statute requires the defendant to have committed an act of sexual contact under a variety of circumstances, one of which is described as follows: “The actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actor s legal, professional, or occupational status.”
Sanders’ role as a teacher fulfills this requirement of the law. In addition to the term of incarceration associated with each count of aggravated criminal sexual contact, he may also be subject to community supervision for life, Megan Law s registration, and a psychosexual evaluation (also known as an Avenel evaluation ).
Keep in mind that any additional victims discovered in this case may lead to further charges being filed and associated increasing penalties upon conviction.
For additional information regarding this investigation, access the following article: Paterson police looking for additional alleged victims in Eastside teacher sex case
