NJ Corrections Officer Orchestrated Fight Between Teens, Prosecutor Says

HAZLET, NJ — A corrections officer at the Monmouth County jail has been accused of facilitating and encouraging a fight between his son and another teen while off-duty, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said.

Anthony R. Sanchez, 44, has been charged with second- and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree employing a juvenile to commit a criminal offense, and third-degree aggravated assault, Santiago said.

An investigation by members of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit and Hazlet Police revealed that in July 2026, Sanchez took his 14-year-old son to a local park for the purpose of engaging in a physical fight with another teenager.

The investigation further revealed that Sanchez actively gave his son detailed fighting instructions during the course of the altercation, Santiago said.

Neither teen sustained serious bodily injury. Sanchez was arrested Wednesday and taken into custody.

According to the prosecutor's office, he is a 19-year veteran corrections officer at the jail.

Following his arrest, Sanchez was released on certain conditions, including no contact with the victim, no unsupervised contact with any children under the age of 18, regular monthly reporting, and prohibition of being in possession of weapons, being present in any public parks, or coaching any youth sports or activities.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos of the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit.

Information about Sanchez’s legal representation was not immediately available.