A man from Branchburg was convicted of criminal sexual contact in Lebanon Township.
FLEMINGTON -- David C. Hardy, 35, of Branchburg has been sentenced to five years' probation following his conviction on a charge of criminal sexual contact with a child, according to a release issued by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office.
David Hardy (courtesy Hunterdon Prosecutor's Office)In addition to probation, Hardy must register as a Megan's Law sex offender, attend sex offender group therapy and he is restricted from using social media and the internet for five years.
Hardy was arrested in August 2014 for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a child less than 16 years old, but older than 13, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The crimes took place in September of 2000, when Hardy lived in Lebanon Township, the prosecutor's release stated.
In an indictment in February 2015, Hardy was charged with second-degree sexual assault, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
More than a decade later, between May 1 and Sept. 30, 2011 in Readington Township, Hardy allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a child younger than 13 years old, according to the indictment.
"The sexual exploitation of a child is a heinous crime," said county Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III. "Continual communication with children under your care is imperative to keeping them safe and children should be taught about appropriate boundaries."
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010, by going online to crimestoppershunterdon.com, or text messaging "HCTIPS" plus a tip message to 274637 (CRIMES).
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