WEST MILFORD, NJ — Matthew Conlon, a 32-year-old councilman from West Milford, is facing legal repercussions after being accused of inappropriate conduct toward a 20-year-old man earlier this month. The incident, which allegedly occurred on February 4, has led to charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and harassment against Conlon.
Conlon is also the chairman of the New Jersey Young Republicans.
The allegations surfaced when the 20-year-old victim reported to the police that Conlon had “sexually violated” him while he was asleep at a friend’s house. The case is under investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the West Milford Police Department, according to details from an affidavit of probable cause.
The affidavit outlines that Conlon, the victim, and a friend were watching television together when the reported misconduct took place. The victim accused Conlon of initiating unwanted physical contact, which escalated to a more severe intrusion while he was asleep. The confrontation ended with the victim yelling at and physically rebuffing Conlon, who then apologized multiple times.
This incident has stirred reactions from those close to the situation, including the victim’s friend and the friend’s mother, who both provided accounts of the event to the police. The friend described the victim’s reaction as out of character, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegation. The friend’s mother recounted hearing the disturbance and subsequently driving Conlon home.