A recently promoted college dean — who also volunteered with local youth groups — is now facing serious charges after allegedly paying a teenage boy for sex and getting caught in a police sting in New Jersey.
Authorities say James Hadley, 65, showed up at a home in Pleasantville on Friday with $200 and lubricant, believing he was meeting the teen again. Instead, detectives were waiting.
According to investigators, Hadley had already met the 13-year-old boy at least twice before, allegedly paying him $200 each time. The encounters were uncovered after the boy’s mother found explicit messages and photos on his phone and immediately contacted police.
Detectives then posed as the teen in messages, luring Hadley back to the home less than 24 hours later — where he was arrested.
Investigators say Hadley allegedly sent disturbing messages, including acknowledging New Jersey’s age of consent laws.
Hadley has deep ties in the community:
- Former board member of Barnegat Little League
- Longtime volunteer with Barnegat Basketball Club (now terminated)
- Brief involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ
- Recently named dean at Ocean County College’s School of Business and Social Sciences
- Adjunct professor at Kean University
He is now charged with:
- Luring a minor
- Sexual assault
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Criminal sexual contact
Hadley was denied release and is due back in court on April 24.