A local sportscaster accused of inappropriate behavior with several students while teaching at an Atlantic County high school was released from jail Monday.
Pete Thompson, 51, faces 11 counts related to alleged harassing comments and sexual contact with five Atlantic County Institute of Technology students.
Thompson was fired from the school after an investigation into one student’s claims found at least four others with similar experiences, according to the charges.
The former TV40 sports anchor also apparently lost his job with 97.3 ESPN, where he had worked in the years after the television station lost its NBC affiliate.
“We are clearly disheartened by the recent news and Mr. Thompson is no longer employed by Townsquare Media,” President Michael Ruble told BreakingAC in an email last week. “We will not be commenting further on an ongoing criminal proceeding.”
During a detention hearing Monday, Thompson’s attorney argued for his client’s release.
Darrin Lord noted Thompson’s ties to the community and a plethora support, which included about eight character letters he previously sent to the court.
The public safety assessment, which is used to help determine detention under bail reform, recommended Thompson be released on his own recognizance.
He got the lowest possible score both for failures to appear and likelihood to reoffend, which reflects his lack of criminal history.
But Superior Court Judge Nancy Ridgway put more conditions on his release, including weekly check-ins.
Thompson’s next court date is listed for Nov. 30.
He spoke briefly, to confirm to the judge that he understood the conditions.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he assured her. “I look forward to seeing your honor on the 30th.”
