Thomas Downes, a 61 year-old from Jersey City, has been charged with criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child at a track and field meet at the Bennett Center in Toms River earlier this month, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on Monday.
According to a statement posted on the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office (OCPO) website on Monday, the incident occurred on Feb.12 (the date of the North Jersey, Sec. 2 Groups 1-4 Championships), and Downes surrendered himself to authorities at Toms River Township Police Department Headquarters on Monday.
The statement also indicated that at the time of the incident, Downes was a coach for girls' team in Jersey City. While the OCPO did not identify the specific school he was coaching, public records show that Downs was a physical education teacher at County Prep High School, part of the Hudson County Schools of Technology, in Jersey City.
Downes, a star distance runner at Hudson Catholic and Manhattan College, was inducted into the Hudson County Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012. He has served as a track and field coach in Hudson County for several years, including positions at New Jersey City University, Hudson County Prep, and Dickinson.
In an article on the New Jersey City University website dated September 22, 2015, it states, "Veteran high school coach Thomas Downes has been named the new head coach of the New Jersey City University men's and women's cross country programs. Additionally, he will serve as assistant coach of the men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field programs, which will return to NJCU as a club team beginning in 2015-16.
Downes, a successful, life-long runner, comes to NJCU with over 20 years of high school coaching experience. He served as the head boys and girls cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field coach for 16 years at County Prep High School. Additionally, he was the assistant girls track coach at Dickinson High School for five years.''
According to a report by NJ.com, Downes is paid an annual salary of $109,034 to be physical education teacher at County Prep High School in Jersey City, according to state pension records. NJ.com also reported that Downes' last day of work at County Prep was Feb. 24, and he is no longer employed there, a district spokeswoman told NJ.com on Monday.
Downes is still listed in the physical education department on the website for County Prep High School as of Monday night.
Official Statement From The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office
On February 12, 2022, officers from the Toms River Township Police Department were contacted in reference to an incident that occurred at the John Bennett Athletic Bubble in Toms River. A minor female -- who was a participant in a track meet taking place at the facility -- reported that an adult male approached her and touched her inappropriately.
The victim reported the incident to her coach, who then reported the incident to law enforcement. An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit and Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau identified Downes as the individual who touched the victim in an inappropriate manner. At the time of the incident, Downes was the head coach of a girls' track team at a high school located in Jersey City.
On February 28, 2022, Downes surrendered himself to authorities at Toms River Township Police Department Headquarters. He was processed and released on a summons pending a future court appearance.
If anyone has additional information or regarding this investigation, or who believes they might have been victimized by this defendant, please contact Detective Alex Bromley of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3271, or the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau at 732- 349-0150, extension 1297.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit, Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, and Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, for their cooperative efforts and assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.