Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 24, 2023, William Gleason, 68, of South Toms River, was charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and South Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that between 2015 and 2020, Gleason sexually assaulted a minor victim who resided in his home. As such, Gleason was charged with the aforementioned offenses on November 24, 2023; he surrendered himself at South Toms River Police Headquarters on November 25, 2023, and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“Although the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office does not typically issue press releases in matters such as this due to their sensitive nature and out of respect for the victim’s privacy, Gleason’s previous position as head of the South Toms River Recreation Commission, and perhaps more importantly his former role as a foster parent, necessitated this particular alert to the public. I urge anyone in possession of information concerning this investigation, or any additional information concerning this defendant’s conduct, to contact Detective Delaney Huber of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3218, or Detective Timothy Meier of the South Toms River Police Department at 732-363-0200, extension 112,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges 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, for their combined assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).