Judge Dismisses Claims Against Middle Township in Lawsuit Over Alleged Abuse at Youth Facilities

Camden, NJ — A federal judge dismissed claims against a South Jersey township in a lawsuit alleging years of sexual abuse of a minor at public recreation sites, narrowing a case that accuses multiple parties of enabling the abuse in the 1990s. U.S. District Judge Zahid N. O’Hearn granted Middle Township’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint filed by plaintiff Ernell Norman Priester Jr., who alleges he was repeatedly abused between 1990 and 1995 by a man connected to both a church and local youth programs. The ruling removes the township from the case but does not resolve claims against other defendants. Abuse allegations span multiple locations Priester alleges he was abused dozens of times as a minor by Vincent A. Watkins Sr., including at township-run facilities such as the Martin Luther King Recreation Center and the Clarence Davies Sports Complex. According to the complaint, Watkins served in roles that gave him access to children, including responsibilities tied to township programs and church activities. The alleged abuse also occurred in private settings, vehicles, and during trips tied to youth events. Priester claims Watkins used coercion tactics—including threats, gifts, and financial support—to sustain the abuse over several years. Court rejects claims