New Jersey Coach Accused of Molesting 7 Boys: Prosecutors

A New Jersey youth sports coach has been accused of molesting seven boys over the last three decades, prosecutors say.

John Mercado, 52, is charged with multiple counts each of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault by contact, aggravated criminal sexual conduct, endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors say that Mercado, of Jersey City, molested the boys while working as a coach at schools in New Jersey over the last 30 years. The names of all the schools weren't released.

Currently, Mercado works at Elysian Charter School in Hoboken, but he has been suspended without pay. School officials have notified parents and set up an emergency meeting, prosecutors say.

Mercado is being held on $300,000 bail. 

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