BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 67-year-old man was sentenced Friday to 120 days in the Ocean County Jail for criminal sexual contact following a jury conviction stemming from an incident at a local rehabilitation facility.
David Taber, of Berkeley Township, was found guilty in March after a nearly week-long trial before Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer. The jury determined that Taber, while a patient at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility, engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with a female nurse on March 22, 2023.
According to investigators, the incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. while the nurse was attempting to administer medication. Taber allegedly touched her breast, placed her in a bear-hug, and attempted to pull down her pants before a co-worker intervened and separated them.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that in addition to the 120-day jail sentence, Taber will also serve a term of probation.
Taber was originally charged on a summons and remained free pending trial. He was sentenced in Ocean County Superior Court on May 9, 2025.
Key points
- David Taber sentenced to 120 days in jail and probation for criminal sexual contact
- Incident occurred in March 2023 at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility
- Jury found Taber guilty in March 2025 following trial in Ocean County
Nurse assaulted while administering medication, co-worker intervened
Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the offense, which took place in a healthcare setting where staff should be able to work without fear of assault. The nurse was not physically injured beyond the incident, and no further charges were filed.
Taber is expected to serve his jail term as a condition of his probation.