Coach Robert Marino, age 73, plied teen with porn, whiskey before sexually assaulting him while he slept: police

A 73-year-old coach with extensive experience in training young athletes in New Jersey was apprehended for purportedly engaging in sexual misconduct with a teen boy after they both consumed measures of whiskey shots together.

A renowned coach for youth athletics in Bridgeton, Robert R. “Ronnie” Marino, was apprehended on Independence Day and is accused of committing a severe form of sexual abuse, as well as charges of endangering the safety of a child in both first and secondary degrees.

Bridgeton is situated in Southern New Jersey, roughly an hour to the south of Philadelphia.

According to the Cherry Hill Courier Post, a teenage boy, whose identity remains unknown, informed the authorities that was staying at the residence of Marino, who happens to be his girlfriend’s uncle, on July 2. Marino purportedly exposed the young boy to gay adult videos displayed on a handheld device for an extended period that same night.

A probable cause affidavit indicates that “the first night (redacted) stayed with him at Marino’s residence, Marino sat next to him and played gay pornography on a Tablet. The victim wished to go to bed, but Marino played the pornography for approximately three hours.”

On the following day, the adolescent informed law enforcement that he spoke with Marino regarding his “trauma from the past,” and Marino replied that it marked the day his dad passed away, as stated by the Courier Post. As per the sworn statement, both individuals consumed a whiskey shot, and the adolescent consequently felt drowsy.

According to reports, Marino allegedly assisted the adolescent to the couch and placed a cover over him. The young person informed authorities that upon awakening, he discovered Marino engaging in oral sexual activity and reacted by striking him with his knee until Marino ceased.

As stated in the affidavit, the victim approached Marino the day after the reported attack and documented their discussion. This dialogue contained the perpetrator admitting to their deeds and expressing remorse.

As stated by NJ.com, the location where Marino instructed young sports participants remains uncertain, yet authorities are informing the leagues about the charges against Marino. Law enforcement stated that the occurrence seems unconnected to his coaching duties.

Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari stated this week that “detectives have advised the respective athletic associations that the suspect is affiliated with in a coaching capacity. Thus far, this incident remains the only investigation we are conducting at this time.”

Marino is currently detained in the jail of Cumberland County and is set to appear for a hearing regarding his detention on Thursday.