NEPTUNE CITY, N.J. – Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organization, announced a change in leadership this week after longtime Executive Director Christian Fuscarino was charged with child endangerment and assault following an alleged incident involving a foster child in his care.
Brielle Winslow-Majette, who identifies herself as a ‘bearded black masc lesbian woman’ has been named as the new executive director.
According to court records, Fuscarino, 35, faces one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by a caretaker and two counts of simple assault. Authorities allege the incident occurred on the night of November 9 and was captured on a home security camera. The video, along with a witness account, reportedly formed the basis of the charges filed by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
A caretaker later brought the child to the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center in Freehold, where a forensic interview was conducted. The affidavit noted the child did not directly disclose abuse during the interview. Investigators from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency obtained the recording on November 20 and referred the case to prosecutors soon after.
Fuscarino’s attorney, Mitchell Ansell, described the episode as “a difficult personal family moment” and emphasized that it was a private matter now before the court. Prosecutors confirmed the case remains active, though no trial date has been set.
Garden State Equality, which receives both state and federal grant funding, said Fuscarino was immediately placed on leave upon learning of the charges. In a public statement, the group said, “Garden State Equality takes allegations against our staff seriously and we oppose violence of any kind. We respect the courts and will allow that process to be handled by them. We will continue our important work with our acting Executive Director.”
Fuscarino, who has led Garden State Equality since 2016, was a prominent voice in advancing LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, healthcare access, and anti-discrimination initiatives across New Jersey. His annual compensation before being placed on leave was listed as $134,000, according to the group’s latest tax filings.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office declined further comment beyond confirming the charges. If convicted on the second-degree endangerment charge, Fuscarino could face up to 10 years in prison under New Jersey law.
