Press Release, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 5, 2025, David Taber, 67, of Berkeley Township, was found guilty of Criminal Sexual Contact in connection with an incident that occurred in Berkeley Township on March 22, 2023, following an almost week-long jury trial before the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C.
In rendering its verdict, the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Taber, while a patient at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, committed an act of criminal sexual contact upon a nurse at the facility. Taber is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Palmer on May 9, 2025, at which time he faces up to 18 months New Jersey State Prison.
On March 22, 2023, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Center for a report of a patient touching a female nurse in an inappropriate manner.
An investigation by responding Officers determined that while the victim was attempting to administer medication to Taber, he touched her breast without her consent, placed her in a bear-hug, and attempted to pull down her pants.
A co-worker then intervened and separated the two.
Taber was charged accordingly and served with the charges via summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligence and dedication of Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Berkeley Township Police Department for their efforts in connection with this investigation, ultimately resulting in this guilty verdict.
