In a shocking new case involving the current coach of the Manasquan High School boy’s ice hockey team and former player for the New Jersey Devils, officials have suspended the coach pending the investigation of an alleged assault on a juvenile.
Charles Webster, a spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, announced the investigation, which was prompted by a civilian complaint filed in Wall Township on January 10th.
The complaint alleges that 46-year-old Jim Dowd, Manasquan High School’s ice hockey coach, assaulted a young victim in an incident that occurred on January 7th at the Jersey Shore Ice Arena on Wyckoff Road. Specifically, the individual who filed the complaint reported that Dowd kicked the alleged victim in the back.
Police are currently investigating the incident and Dowd will be suspended until the case is resolved. In terms of the process going forward, authorities will ultimately determine if there is enough evidence to charge Dowd with simple assault.
Otherwise, the civilian who filed the complaint is entitled to a probable cause hearing before a judge. At such a hearing, the judge will evaluate the validity of the complaint in order to determine if there is probable cause to support charging Dowd.
Ultimately, if Dowd is charged and convicted of simple assault, he could be sentenced to serve up to 6 months in the county jail as well as paying a fine of up to $1,000. In addition, a conviction for a violent crime on his record may have significant negative implications for his career, as it may prevent him from working with juveniles in a variety of settings in the future.
For additional information regarding this case, access the following article: Ex-Devil temporarily suspended from coaching gig after assault claim, report says