A Red Bank man arrested on federal child pornography charges this week worked at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls, the Asbury Park Press reported late Wednesday.
James Paroline, 26, worked as a camp counselor for 10 summers at the school, but was fired after he was taken into custody during a waranted search of his Pearl Street apartment early Tuesday, the Press reported.
Authorities had previously said that Paroline was employed as an assistant at a nursery school and as a summer camp counselor at a private school, both located in Monmouth County. Neither school was identified, however.
Ranney Head of School John Griffith confirmed that Paroline worked at the Hope Road institution “each summer since 2005, as a junior counselor, counselor and this summer as a sports specialist “essentially working with kids on the field and in the gym on sports activities,” ” the Press reported. The camp serves children aged 3 to 13.
The name of the nursery school has not been disclosed, and Griffith told the Press he did not know it.
An FBI complaint filed in the case said that Paroline, after waiving his Miranda rights, told the agents that “he has inappropriately touched minor children” while employed as a teacher and camp counselor.
The immediate charges, however, were limited to two counts of receiving images of child sexual abuse on his home computer, according to a prepared statement by United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman.
From the Press:
Griffith said school officials are cooperating with police and communicating with parents.
“Our biggest concern is the safety and security of our campers and their well-being,” Griffith said. “In that sense we are keeping an open line of communication with our families, and supporting the authorities, as we would always do, in their investigation.”
An email sent to parents, obtained by the Asbury Park Press and confirmed by Griffith, said all counselors undergo background checks before being hired.
“Because this was his first offense, there was no record of wrongdoing,” the email said.
Twice, the email said authorities haven’t told school officials any misconduct involved campers.
“We have been informed that the investigation is in the preliminary stages and have not yet received any information to suggest that campers have been impacted,” the email said.
Griffith said he has read the complaint against Paroline. He declined to comment on Paroline’s admission.
Paroline remained in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday in federal court in Trenton.
