Sussex County man, former Newark Academy wrestling coach accused of sexually assaulting 15-year-old

LIVINGSTON, N.J. (Essex County) — A Sussex County man who formerly served as a wrestling coach at Newark Academy in Livingston has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

John Kane, 39, of Sparta Township, has been charged with four counts of sexual assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced.

Authorities allege Kane sexually assaulted the 15-year-old on April 26, 2026. According to the complaint, Kane transported the victim to a parking lot at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

The victim is not a student at Newark Academy, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Authorities said Kane was previously involved with the Livingston Youth Wrestling Program, West Essex Regional School District, the Township of Livingston and The Work Family Connection, an after-school program that serves Morris, Warren, Union, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432). All calls will remain confidential.

Newark Academy issued the following statement from Dr. Renée Walker, director of communications and marketing:

“We are troubled by the charges brought against a former employee related to alleged misconduct with a minor. While this matter did not involve a Newark Academy student nor did it happen on campus grounds, we take this matter very seriously.

“This individual has not been employed by Newark Academy since earlier this summer.

“In keeping with our longstanding policies, all background and reference checks were conducted prior to his employment. We did not receive any complaints during his brief tenure.”