Union Beach Soccer Coach Admits To Sexual Conduct With Underage Boys

UNION BEACH, NJ — A Union Beach youth soccer coach has now admitted to engaging in a variety of sex crimes with the student-athletes formerly under his supervision.

The coach is Ryan Gunsauls, 33.

In a hearing held late last week in Monmouth County Superior Court, Gunsauls pleaded guilty to first- degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material, second-degree Attempted Endangering via Manufacture of Child sex abuse material and second- and third-degree Endangering via Sexual Conduct.

The investigation into Gunsauls began earlier this year, when a juvenile disclosed that Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexually explicit materials with him via a social media app.

As the investigation continued, eight additional victims, ranging in age from 11 to 17, were identified. Prosecutors say Gunsauls texted underage boys photos of his genitalia, and asked the boys to send him photos in return. He would also forward those photos he received to other boys on the team.

Gunsauls was arrested without incident in May. Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2025, at which time the state intends to recommend a term of 12 years in state prison, with 85 percent required to be served before the possibility of parole.

Under the terms of his plea, which was crafted in consultation with the victims and their families, Gunsauls would also be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and have to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, along with complying with Sex Offender Restraining Orders barring him from any further contact with his victims.

Gunsauls was also a volunteer firefighter in Union Beach, and he used to work as a Union Beach Police dispatcher.