New and troubling allegations surface in connection with the Jackson man charged with child pornography distribution. Matthew Wolny allegedly used a camera hidden in a gym bag at the Ocean County YMCA in Toms River where he maintained membership.

Matthew Wolny
Matthew Wolny (Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office)
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It is unclear at this point, says source speaking on condition of anonymity, whether Wolny kept images taken at the Y for his own interest or shared them. He is accused of distributing thousands of prurient stills and videos.

In a statement, Rodger Koerber, the Y's president acknowledged the arrest and said "this kind behavior is not tolerated by our or any other Y.  This person’s membership privileges were immediately withdrawn. Our highest priority is the safety of children in our programs.  We are currently working with the Ocean County’s Prosecutors Office to determine if any criminal activity occurred at our Y, or if any members or children at the Y may have been affected."

Koerber added that the Ocean County "continually review all our protocols and procedures to promote the safety and well-being of the children in our programs.

An email was sent to all members asking parents to talk to their children about any inappropriate behavior they may have noticed and notify Koerber.

Investigators say that Wolny was freed on bail on September 30, four days after his arrest at his home. He's required to have no contact with anyone under age 16, and to access the Internet for only work-related purposes.

Information released at the time reflected that the 35-year-old struggled with Jackson police before being subdued.

Ocean County YMCA, Toms River (Ocean County SWIM, Inc.)
Ocean County YMCA, Toms River (Ocean County SWIM, Inc.)
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Wolny's main occupation was in Internet technology for the Howell school system. Staffers in the Howell schools personnel office tell us that no one by that name works in their district.

According to information from Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato's office, he also volunteered as a director of the Brick Township Memorial High School marching band.

 

 

 

Statement from the Roger Koerber, President/CEO Of the Ocean County YMCA

As has been reported, a member at our YMCA was arrested on charges related to child pornography.  Please know this kind of behavior is not tolerated by our or any other Y.  This person’s membership privileges were immediately withdrawn. Our highest priority is the safety of children in our programs.  We are currently working with the Ocean County’s Prosecutors Office to determine if any criminal activity occurred at our Y, or if any members or children at the Y may have been affected.

Unfortunately, this activity is a growing problem in communities across the country.  All child serving organizations must constantly be on guard against people who may not have the best interests of our children at heart. We continually review all our protocols and procedures to promote the safety and well-being of the children in our programs.

In the meantime, out of respect for those that may be involved, and in light of the ongoing criminal investigation, we ask that you respect their privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and their families.

Letter Sent To Ocean County YMCA Member

Dear Ocean County YMCA Member:

As you may have learned from recent media coverage, a former YMCA Member has been charged by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office with crimes involving child pornography. We are working with the Prosecutors Offices to determine if any criminal activity took place at or was related to this individual's membership at the YMCA.

Please know that we have no reason to believe your child was involved in any incidents with this individual. Because of the nature of the allegations and charges, we are notifying all members who may have had the opportunity to come in contact with or who may have had an opportunity for inappropriate interaction with this former member. Safety is our primary concern; however we continue to review for possible areas of improvement.

We, along with the Police Department are investigating this matter and will report the results of that investigation to you. In the context of the investigation and in order to help us maintain the safe environment we have long enjoyed at our YMCA, we ask you to do the following:

First, please talk to your child about his/her experience at the YMCA. Ask if he/she is aware of any inappropriate actions by any YMCA member. Please let him/her know it is important to tell you about these kinds of activities and that he/she will be believed and will not be considered to be at fault. We recognize this may be an awkward conversation for both of you, and we are available to help you to know how to approach the situation.

Next, if your child relates to you any behavior you consider to be inappropriate, please call me. We will treat the matter confidentially and urgently and will put you in touch with the proper authorities if necessary.

Finally, if your child has no information about improper behavior, please take this opportunity to reinforce your and our general guidelines on inappropriate touching and respectful, proper behavior in general.

We're sorry to have to inform you about this allegation and we will keep you posted as we learn more.

 

 

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