Teacher Accused Of Molesting Girl In South Jersey Dies Weeks Before Trial

A South Jersey teacher accused of molesting a 12-year-old student in 2020 has died just weeks before his trial, according to an obituary published by Farnelli Funeral Home.

Williamstown Middle School
Photo Credit: *Google Maps*

Jon Craig

02/26/2024 4:18 p.m.

Paul A. VanHouten Jr., 57, of Williamstown, died on Thursday, Feb. 22. A cause of death was not mentioned in the obit.

The story was first reported by NJ Advance Media. His attorney, Robert N. Agre, was in court and unavailable for comment when Daily Voice reached out Monday, Feb. 26.

A trial for VanHouten was set to begin on March 4 on charges of second-degree sexual assault, child endangerment and official misconduct, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. VanHouten had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

VanHouten was a science teacher at Williamstown Middle School in Monroe Township when he allegedly molested the girl in February 2020, authorities have said. He threatened to fail the student if she told anyone, authorities said.

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