Bloomfield HS coach charged with sexual assault of two juvenile males

BLOOMFIELD, NJ (updated Friday Oct. 28, 2:54 p.m.) — A Bloomfield High School coach was arrested, Thursday, Oct. 27, and charged with sexually assaulting two juvenile males.

Leo Donaldson, a track and cross-country coach, is alleged to have sexually assaulting the juveniles last year and this year, at his home in Bloomfield and his previous residence in Jersey City.

Donaldson was charged with first degree aggravated sexual assault; second degree aggravated sexual assault by contact; third degree aggravated criminal sexual contact; and endangering the welfare of a child. His bail was set at $400,000 with no 10 percent option.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Donaldson had been hospitalized since Oct. 20 and was arrested upon his release.

In a letter to the community, Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves wrote: “I am saddened and disheartened to inform you that Leo Donaldson, a Bloomfield High School teacher and athletic coach, was arrested by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office earlier today.  We are working closely with the Prosecutor’s Office as the matter continues to be the subject of an active investigation.

“Unfortunately, the allegations are very serious and disturbing.  In the meantime, (BHS principal Chris) Jennings and I want to ensure that every child has access to counseling, if necessary.  We have contacted the Bloomfield Township Department of Community Services and we have enlisted the support and assistance of Carol Manning, LCSW to assist in providing mutual aid to the district including daily support, crisis and intervention and assessment with students, faculty and/or family members.  If you or your child wish to speak to someone, please contact our Crisis Counselor, Kathleen Gebhardt at (973) 680-8600, ext. 4276 and she or Ms. Manning will schedule an appointment with you.  Additionally, if necessary, please feel free to reach out to the Special Victims Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 753-1130.

“Although I am unable to share more detailed information at this time, please know that we are deeply committed to the safety and welfare of your child.  If you are aware of any information that may assist the Prosecutor’s Office in its investigation, please contact:  Captain Steve Roberts at (973) 621-4700.”

The boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams are scheduled to compete in the Essex County Individual Championship race Friday afternoon, Oct. 28, at Brookdale Park, in Bloomfield. BHS Athletic Director Steve Jenkins said the team will be led by acting head coach Chris Romano. Donaldson is also a teacher of architecture at the high school.

Donaldson has been suspended with pay from his teaching position and removed from his positions as a parish cantor and youth minister at St. Francis of Assisi American National Catholic Church in Glen Ridge.

The BHS boys’ team is enjoying a highly successful season. The team finished undefeated in the Super Essex Conference-Liberty Division with an 8-0 record. The squad then won the team title at the SEC-Liberty Division Championships on Oct. 5 at Branch Brook Park.

The announcement of Donaldson’s arrest was made by acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray and Bloomfield Police Director Sam DeMaio.