Skeele, a certified EMT, allegedly had sex with the underage ambulance squad member multiple times and showed child pornography to the teen
NEWTON -- The case against a former ambulance squad captain in Vernon, accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old cadet, is moving forward in Superior Court in Newton.
Colin Skeele, 29, faces charges including including sexual assault, child endangerment and promoting obscene material.
Skeele, a certified emergency medical technician, allegedly had sex with the underage ambulance squad member multiple times and showed child pornography to the teen, according to a Nov. 17 letter from the state Office of Emergency Medical Services.
The prosecution has provided virtually all the "discovery" material, or evidence, Skeele's attorney, Anthony Alfano, said during a status conference Monday before Judge William McGovern.
But one issue remains, Alfano said.
Alfano said he and his client have experienced "major problems" opening a prosecution computer disc that contains the statement the alleged victim gave to police.
"We think we have it ironed out," Alfano said. He noted he and Skeele haven't viewed the disc yet but expect to view it before the next status conference in the case, which was scheduled for Sept. 26.
Meanwhile, Sussex County Assistant Prosecutor Laura Nazzaro said she has not yet developed a plea offer for Skeele, but also expects to have that ready for the Sept. 26 conference.
Nazzaro said the prosecution has provided all the discovery to the defense team and believes they will be able to view the computer disc.
Skeele was indicted in April by a Sussex County grand jury. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges at his arraignment on May 16. This was his first court appearance since the arraignment.
Skeele, 29, who now lives in Florham Park, was serving as captain of the Glenwood Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Vernon last year when he was charged in the sex assaults.
Skeele's EMT certification was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, the acting director of the state OEMS said.
Skeele previously worked as a middle school teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Boonton, but he hasn't worked at the school in several years, a school official said.
Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.