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Teen victims were former students at Eatontown middle school

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 12/13/05

FREEHOLD — A former music teacher at an Eatontown middle school who also served as a councilman admitted in court Monday that he sexually assaulted two former students — one at age 15, the other at age 13 and 14. The plea deal includes a recommended 10-year prison sentence.

John J. Collins, 57, of Cloverdale Avenue, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one charge of third-degree witness tampering before Superior Court Judge Francis P. DeStefano.

In exchange, Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fichter will recommend a 10-year prison sentence — seven years for each sexual assault charge to run concurrently and a three-year sentence for witness tampering. Collins will be sentenced April 7.

"I'm glad he pleaded guilty and saved the taxpayers the money of a trial," said Councilman-elect Joe Questore, whose two children attend Eatontown schools. "That he's no longer a teacher is a relief to a lot of people."

Wearing a gray suit, Collins told the court that between May 2004 and March 2005 — while he was named the Memorial School teacher of the year — he sexually assaulted the 15-year-old girl. The girl is now 16.

In March, school officials had reported to authorities that a Monmouth Regional High School student had seen the two kissing. The tip launched an investigation that resulted in Collins' arrest later that month at a local diner.

Collins contacted the girl through the Internet in July while the investigation continued and attempted to advise her on her statement to authorities, he said in court.

Collins also admitted he molested another former student between August 2000 and June 2001, when that girl was 13 and 14 years old. The girl, who is now 19, came forward after she read newspaper accounts of Collins' first arrest.

The girl told prosecutors she ended the relationship in June 2001 when she became uncomfortable, prosecutors had said.

Subject to Megan's Law

Under the terms of the plea, Collins will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law and will be subject to lifetime parole supervision.

Before sentencing, he will undergo an evaluation at the state's Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in the Avenel section of Woodbridge. If the evaluation finds Collins to be a repetitive and compulsive sex offender, he may have to serve his sentence there.

Both girls, who have not been publicly identified and who were not in court, were students at Memorial School, where Collins taught for nearly 35 years. One of the victim's fathers attended, but was not available for comment.

The sexual relationships with each girl developed after they graduated from the middle school, but took place at the building after evening practices of the Eatontown Municipal Band, which Collins founded in 2000, prosecutors said. The school district allowed the Municipal Band to rehearse at the building, but it was not a school-sponsored activity.

Both girls were involved with the band — one played several instruments, the other assisted with the band. Prosecutors said Collins used the community band as an opportunity to isolate the victims and develop relationships with them.

"Was it for your sexual gratification?" the judge asked Collins regarding each sexual assault charge.

"Yes," he replied.

Councilman Ted Lewis, a Democrat who served alongside Republican Collins on the Borough Council for more than 20 years, said he was still "very much surprised" by his arrests.

"We didn't agree on much," said Lewis, a lifetime borough resident whose two grown children once were Collins' students. "But I couldn't believe it when I heard he was involved in all this. That's a lot of time for a guy like John. It's going to change his life."

"It's sad," Eatontown Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo said. "The whole thing is sad. But justice had to be done."

Prosecutor's comment

Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin said both victims approved the case's resolution. He said Collins abused his position as an educator and band leader "to establish sexually inappropriate conduct with two minor girls. He compounds this unlawful and egregious behavior by tampering with a victim witness."

"We expect our public servants to act in the public's interest and not engage in sexual misconduct and tampering with a victim witness of the underlying offense," he added.

Attorney Charles J. Uliano said his client acknowledged his guilt. "John apologizes to his family, friends and the people of Eatontown. Mr. Collins is remorseful — the plea speaks for itself," he said.

Collins retired from his teaching job effective June 1 after being immediately suspended with pay following his arrest. State law dictates the paid suspension until a teacher who has been arrested is indicted.

Since July, Collins has received a monthly retirement check of $3,656.80, said Tom Vincz, state Department of Treasury spokesman.

Vincz said that in light of Monday's developments, the pension board of trustees will review whether Collins is entitled to continue receiving his pension. No time line was set for the review.

Collins remains free on bail until his April 7 sentencing. He had been initially charged with four counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of child endangerment, contempt of court and witness tampering.

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