Rible Reiterates Call for Tougher Penalties for Lewdness
Teacher Arrested at Rest Stop Highlights Need For Legislative Action On His Lewdness Bill

In light of the recent arrest of a teacher for lewd behavior at a Parkway rest stop, Assembly Minority Whip Dave Rible is pushing for the Legislature to take action on a measure he sponsored that seeks to curb lewdness and indecent sexual acts committed in public restrooms.

Rible expressed his concern about the growing number of cases in our area involving lewdness and sexual assault in a public restroom. He cited a recent incident that took place at a Wall Township rest stop on the Garden State Parkway involving an elementary school teacher who faces charges for lewdness.

Rible has previously sought a hearing on legislation he sponsored which would significantly strengthen the penalties for acts of lewdness.

“Families with young children who are traveling through our state should not fear that they will be subjected to these acts of lewdness,” said Rible. “This recent case is particularly disturbing due to the fact that it involves a school teacher. However, it highlights the need to pass legislation that will help protect children and make parents feel more comfortable about the safety of their children.”

Under current law, these offenses are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, six months of imprisonment, or both. Under the measure, A-1157, lewdness committed in a public restroom would be upgraded to a fourth degree crime punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, 18 months of imprisonment, or both. The offenders would also have a criminal record under Rible’s legislation.

“As a former police officer, I can attest to the importance of assisting law enforcement in their efforts to target those offenders who repeatedly engage in these lewd acts,” said Rible. “Passing this bill would send a clear message that these acts will not be tolerated and will result in severe consequences.”

Rible said toughening penalties when the lewd act involves a child under 13 will help to protect children who can be especially vulnerable to these offenders in restrooms and therefore, need further protection from those who would prey on them there.

Rible said the increased penalties called for in the bill are intended to deter offenders from committing lewd acts in public restrooms at rest stops along highways, including the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, as well as other public venues such as public parks, beaches, and shopping malls. The Monmouth County lawmaker also said he will continue to push for cameras to be installed in rest stop areas that do not currently have them.

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