Notre Dame counselor charged after alleged contact with student

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A Lawrence Township high school guidance counselor has been charged with child endangerment and sexual contact involving a minor, according to Mercer County prosecutors.

Antoine A. Hart, 53, of Lawrenceville, was arrested April 15 and is being held at the Mercer County Corrections Center pending a court appearance.

Hart, who worked at Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township, is charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact.

Authorities said a 14-year-old student reported that earlier this month Hart drove her to the Mercer County Community College campus in West Windsor, where he engaged in sexual contact with her inside his vehicle.

Investigators also determined that Hart sent suggestive text messages to the victim, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The investigation was conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit along with the Lawrence Township and West Windsor police departments.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact the prosecutor’s office Special Victims Unit.

Despite the charges, Hart is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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