4-05-2024 8:39am

Flemington Field Hockey Coach Charged with Endangering The Welfare of a Minor

Donnella Tilery Editor

Brett Clay

BRIDGEWATER TWP., N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John B. Mitzak announced the arrest of Brett Clay, age 39, of Healthquest Boulevard, Flemington, New Jersey in relation to sexual conduct with a minor.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on March 27, 2024, the Bridgewater Police Department contacted the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit regarding an allegation that a travel field hockey coach employed by a private field hockey program located in Mount Olive, New Jersey was exchanging sexually explicit text messages with a 17-year-old female player.

The 17-year-old female victim, a Bridgewater resident, was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center by detectives from the Special Victim’s Unit. The victim reported communicating with her travel coach, Brett Clay through text messages.

The victim stated in late December 2023 or early January 2024, the messages became sexual in nature and at one point, Clay offered the victim money in exchange for sexually explicit images. An investigation was conducted by detectives from the Bridgewater Police Department and detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit. Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Thursday, March 28, 2024, as a result of this investigation, Brett Clay was arrested without incident in Raritan Township, New Jersey, and charged with 2nd degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Defendant Clay was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter. Prosecutor McDonald would like to thank the members of the Raritan Township Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Chief Mitzak request that anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at (908) 725-6200 or via the STOPit app.

The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smartphone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.