Community Corner

Monmouth County Man Convicted For Stalking 14-Year-Old Union County Tennis Student

A 36-year-old Monmouth County Man has been convicted of stalking his 14-year-old Union County tennis student for a period of 3 ½ years, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Joseph Gellene of West Long Branch was hired in 2007 to coach the then 14-year-old boy, but was soon dismissed after reports that he was inappropriately contacting the student through a series of text messages and gifts such as a free massage.

After Gellene was let go and asked to cease contact with the student, he continued to call and send text messages to the boy – even began attending the same church as the victim and his family.

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The criminal conduct in this particular case continued until 2011.

Gellene was also arrested in 2009 for similar actions – harassing a then 14-year-old Wall Township boy through a mass series of inappropriate text messages. He ended up pleaded guilty to a lesser municipal offense in that case, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.

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His sentencing date is set for May 16 where Gellene could face up to 18 months in jail for fourth-degree stalking.

                                      


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