Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 45-year-old KATHERINE PASTOR of Teaneck, NJ on charges of endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and simple assault. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck and the Teaneck Police Department under the direction of Chief Andrew McGurr.
On Friday, May 24, 2024, the Teaneck Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding an alleged incident of child abuse. The alleged child abuse was reported to have occurred while a juvenile was under the care of KATHERINE PASTOR. An investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Teaneck Police Department revealed that, while in her care, PASTOR struck the juvenile about the face, utilizing an object, causing injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
As a result of the investigation, on Friday, May 24, 2024, KATHERINE PASTOR was arrested in Teaneck, NJ and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2) ; third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and simple assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a(1), a disorderly persons offense.
Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would like to thank the Teaneck Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.