MORRIS COUNTY

West Morris Central sports director charged with assault

Peggy Wright
@PeggyWrightDR

The athletic director for West Morris Central High School has been suspended with pay after being charged with threatening to kill his spouse, restraining her and wrestling her to the ground.

The alleged acts of domestic violence committed by Kent W. Schilling, 46, of the Long Valley section of Washington Township occurred on Aug. 3 in the township, according to complaints.

Schilling is accused of making terroristic threats while brandishing a knife, and simple assault by wrestling and restraining the victim and tearing her clothes, according to criminal complaints filed in Superior Court, Morristown.

Schilling posted $10,000 bail and was released from the Morris County jail on Aug. 5. For now, he is barred from any contact with the alleged victim.

Defense lawyer Travis Tormey said that Schilling has been suspended with pay from his job as athletic director but has had a long, distinguished “spotless record.” Tormey said he has received information from authorities that the charges are expected to be downgraded and remanded to Washington Township Municipal Court for prosecution.

Currently, Schilling has a date of Sept. 1 to appear in Superior Court before Judge Stephen Taylor.

A message left for Schilling has not immediately been returned. A call to Superintendent Michael Ben-David has also not immediately been returned.

West Morris Central High School is one of two high schools within the West Morris Regional High School district.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.