2003 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

March 26, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Somerdale Police Chief Anthony R. Campbell reported today that W. Richard Mankin, M/40, of Bellmawr, N.J., was charged on Monday, March 24, 2003, with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact and Endangering the Welfare of a Child stemming from alleged sexual contact with a minor female dating back to June 2000.

Sarubbi also announced along with Mount Ephraim Acting Police Chief Brian Beppel, Gloucester Township Police Chief John Stollsteimer and Bellmawr Police Chief William Walsh that Mankin faces similar charges, as well as one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault, for acts allegedly committed against the same victim in Mount Ephraim, Gloucester Township and Bellmawr.

The charges involve alleged acts of fondling and digital penetration on diverse dates between June 2000 and January 2003.

Mankin also faces two additional charges in Mount Ephraim - Aggravated Sexual Assault and another count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child - related to a second victim who was 15 at the time of the alleged offenses in February and March of 1999. Mankin allegedly had the victim perform oral sex on him.

Mankin, of the 300 block of East Browning Road in Bellmawr, is a former volunteer lieutenant at the United Fire Co. in Mount Ephraim and had more recently served as a volunteer firefighter in Bellmawr.

If convicted, Mankin faces up to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison on each Aggravated Sexual Assault charge and up to 10 years on each of two Endangering charges - one from Mount Ephraim and one from Bellmawr. The rest of the charges each carry a maximum five-year term. He is being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,00 bail, cash or bond.

A bail hearing for the defendant is scheduled for approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2003, before Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Brown Jr. in Courtroom 36 of the Camden County Hall of Justice, 5th Street & Mickle Boulevard, Camden.

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.