HILLSDALE, N.J.—Borough police arrested a Piermont Avenue resident May 18, saying he used “inappropriate, alarming and threatening sexual language directed at the children” playing basketball at George White Middle School’s outdoor courts.
Thomas Squilanti, 53, of Hillsdale, is accused of the third degree crime of endangering the welfare of children, according to a police statement shared with Pascack Press by Detective Travis Woods.
Police received information describing an early-evening incident on May 16, during which Squilanti allegedly approached multiple juveniles who were playing basketball at the Magnolia Avenue school’s outdoor courts, police said.
“Squilanti then proceeded to allow the children to drive his electric scooter and began a conversation with the children,” Hillsdale Police said.
That’s when he allegedly used the threatening sexual language, police said.
He is due in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court to answer the complaint summons on Wednesday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m., police said.
“If anyone has, any further information pertaining to this case, please contact the Hillsdale Police Department Detective Bureau at (201) 664-4200,” police said.
