UNION BEACH – A local youth soccer coach has admitted to sexual offenses against former student-athletes, officials said.
Ryan Gunsauls, 33, of Union Beach pleaded guilty to first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), second-degree Attempted Endangering via Manufacture of CSAM, and second- and third-degree Endangering via Sexual Conduct.
The investigation began in early 2024, when a juvenile disclosed that Gunsauls had been soliciting and distributing sexually explicit materials with him through a social media app.
As the investigation continued, eight additional victims, ranging in age from 11 to 17, were identified and contacted for interviews.
Gunsauls was arrested without incident in May and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI).
A motion by the Prosecutor’s Office to keep him detained as the case against him proceeds was granted by a Superior Court Judge later the same month.
Sentencing has been scheduled for March 6, 2025, at which time the State intends to recommend a term of 12 years in state prison, with 85 percent required to be served before the possibility of parole, in accordance with New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA). Under the terms of his plea, which was crafted in consultation with the victims and their families, Gunsauls would also be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and have to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law, along with complying with Sex Offender Restraining Orders barring him from any further contact with his victims.
