COURT HOUSE - Jonathan C. Howell, 41, a former lifeguard on the Ocean City Beach Patrol, has been indicted on five charges – including three sexual-assault charges – following his arrest in July of 2022. Allegations were first made against Howell almost two years ago, in April of 2021, when a viral social media post alleged long-standing abuse towards several members of the Beach Patrol.
Action News reported in June that the alleged abuse has been going on since at least 2017, when Howell allegedly provided alcohol to a 16-year-old girl and “later sexually assaulted her.” This was just one of many stories victims shared about Howell’s alleged actions.
The charges against Howell are as follows, according to a press release from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. The charges were handed up from a Cape May County grand jury.
- 1 count of Aggravated Sexual Assault, a crime of the 1st degree
- 1 count of Sexual Assault, a crime of the 2nd degree
- 1 count of Official Misconduct, a crime of the 2nd degree
- 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a crime of the 3rd degree
Howell worked as a schoolteacher in Pleasantville before his arrest. The Instagram post which initially brought the alleged abuse to light is still online. Howell’s case has been widely reported across the region, including outlets like ABC News and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The indictments come after a nearly two-year investigation, including that of the grand jury.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland stated this is still an active investigation and urges anyone who has additional information relating to this investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.
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