HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – A Whiting resident and former Stafford Township School District teacher is facing additional charges after investigators identified two more child victims in an ongoing sexual assault case in the Hamilton Township School District, authorities said.
Darnell Williams, 34, was already accused of sexually assaulting a child under 13 while employed as a supervisor of special projects in the Hamilton Township School District. On Monday, police said two more children — ages 11 and 12 — have now come forward with allegations.
During a detention hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Jasmine Ostrow said the two latest victims contacted authorities within hours of Williams’ arrest in August. A Superior Court judge ordered Williams remain jailed until trial, rejecting a defense request for monitored release.
Williams is now charged with two counts each of second-degree sexual assault, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct, and second-degree official misconduct.
Investigators said the incidents span from 2022 to 2024, beginning when Williams allegedly assaulted a 12-year-old shortly before starting his Hamilton post. That girl’s family knew him from his previous work in the Stafford school district. Another victim told authorities Williams removed her from class in October 2023 and assaulted her in his office, while a 7-year-old described being assaulted inside his car after a school function this February.
Prosecutors argue the cases show a “pattern of behavior.” Williams’ attorney countered that he has no prior criminal history and presented character letters on his behalf.
Hamilton police said they are working closely with the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as Stafford Township police and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, as the investigation continues.
Williams, once recognized by NJ PBS as a “Digital Innovator” for his educational work, is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 24 for a preindictment conference.
