Ridge High School Coach Sexually Assaulted 2 Children, NC Police Say

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Ridge High School Assistant Track Coach is accused of sexually assaulting two children in North Carolina.

William E. Alston, 34, from Aberdeen, was charged with the statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult and four counts of indecent liberties with children following a two-month investigation by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.

Alston was a former employee who worked as Ridge High School's Instructional Aide and Assistant Coach in the High School track program.

"The individual in question has not worked in our district since the end of September due to a suspension and was terminated in November," stated Bernards Township Superintendent Nick Marakarian in a letter to the community.

On Sept. 2, the investigation was launched after a sexual assault of a minor was reported.

Two young girls told detectives that Alston had sexually assaulted them, according to the Onslow County Sheriff's Office.

Alston was arrested in Aberdeen on Nov. 7 and extradited by the United States Marshal Service to Onslow County on Dec. 3.

The Aberdeen Police Department is also conducting a criminal investigation into alleged offenses that happened in Aberdeen.

Alston is currently being held in the Onslow County Detention Center under no bond after his first court appearance on Thursday.

"At this time, we have no information that this individual had been inappropriate with any of our students. We will be communicating with students and staff at Ridge about this case to support them and ensure that everyone is safe," said Markarian.

Anyone with information that may relate in any way to this case, or to a safety concern with this
individual, should speak to a trusted staff member, counselor, administrator or the School Resource Officer.

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