NJ Youth Basketball Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, 12

A 29-year-old New Jersey girls basketball coach has been charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, according to authorities.

Kevin Jimenez of Belleville has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault, three counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced Thursday.

It is alleged that Jimenez, a girls’ basketball coach affiliated with The Wolves, an Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) team, sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in 2018. The sexual assault occurred in Nutley, according to the ECPO.

Jimenez previously coached at the Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley.

The Wolves, a team which includes girls from throughout the region, also practiced at the Abundant Life Academy in Nutley and Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange.

Jimenez’ next court appearance is June 15. The investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact Capt. Janine Straccamore in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 973-753-1131.

ECPO photo