Pennsylvania Man Sentenced 8-Years in Prison for Abuse of Teen Boys

MAYS LANDING – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 8 years in prison today for the abuse of two child victims in 2010, including the sexual assault of a 17-year-old boy, and sexual acts performed in the presence of a 12-year-old boy that constitute child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.

In late September of 2010, Hamilton Township Police began a three-month investigation into allegations that John S. Poston, 47, of the 2000 block of Slocum Road, Mountain Top, PA, had transported each victim on separate dates to his residence of the time on the 500 block of Sherwood Road, Mays Landing, provided each alcohol, committed sexual assault on the 17-year-old, and performed indecent and unlawful sexual acts in the presence of the 12-year-old.

A warrant for Poston’s arrest was issued on Jan. 24, 2011, and he was located and arrested one week later in Pennsylvania, returned to New Jersey, and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility in lieu of $225,000 full cash bail. Poston later posted bail and was released, pending court.

Poston was indicted by an Atlantic County Grand Jury on Feb. 14, 2012.

On Friday, July 25, 2014, after a one-week trial, Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Albert Garofolo found Poston guilty of six (6) criminal counts, including (3) crimes committed against the 17-year-old:

1. Sexual Assault while having supervisory power over the victim—a crime of the 2nd degree, 

2. Criminal Sexual Contact—a 4th degree crime, and 

3. Child Abuse—a 4th degree crime, 

and (3) crimes committed against the 12-year-old:

1. Endangering the Welfare of a Child—a 3rd degree crime,

2. Lewdness—a 4th degree crime, and

3. Child Abuse—a 4th degree crime. 

• Today, Judge Garofolo sentenced Poston to 5 years of incarceration in New Jersey State prison for the sexual assault of the 17-year-old victim. 
• Pursuant to the No Early Release Act (NERA), Poston must serve 85% of the 5-year term—4 years and 3 months—before being eligible from release on that conviction. 
• Poston was sentenced to 3 additional years of imprisonment for endangering the welfare of the 12-year-old child. 
• The 5-year and 3-year prison sentences will be served consecutively. 

Judge Garofolo further ordered: 

• Poston’s registration as a child sex offender pursuant to Megan’s Law, 
• that he receive parole supervision for life after his release form prison, and 
• made permanent the restraining order prohibiting Poston from having any future contact with the victims, per New Jersey’s Nicole’s Law.

        Hamilton Township Police Detective Frank Schalek was lead investigator on the case. Assistant Prosecutor Marisa McGarvey represented the State in the matter.