South Toms River Resident Faces Charges for Aggravated Sexual Assault and Child Endangerment
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)– In an official statement released on November 28, 2023, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the charges brought against William Gleason, a 68-year-old resident of South Toms River. Gleason has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The charges stem from an extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau. The investigation revealed that between 2015 and 2020, Gleason had sexually assaulted a minor victim who resided in his home. As a result of the findings, Gleason was formally charged on November 24, 2023. He voluntarily surrendered himself at the South Toms River Police Headquarters on November 25, 2023, and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail. Presently, he remains lodged in the jail pending a detention hearing.
Given the sensitive nature of the case and in respect for the victim’s privacy, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office typically refrains from issuing press releases. However, due to Gleason’s previous position as the head of the South Toms River Recreation Commission, as well as his former role as a foster parent, it was deemed necessary to alert the public. Prosecutor Billhimer urged anyone with information pertaining to this investigation or additional details about the defendant’s conduct to come forward. Detective Delaney Huber of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office can be contacted at 732-929-2027, extension 3218, or Detective Timothy Meier of the South Toms River Police Department at 732-363-0200, extension 112.
Prosecutor Billhimer expressed his gratitude for the combined efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, and South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau in assisting with the investigation.
It is important to note that the charges against William Gleason are merely accusations at this stage, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, as stipulated by R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
As investigations continue, the authorities have yet to release further updates regarding the case.
