Parsippany Employee Accused of Sexually Assaulting 3 Boys

A Parsippany public works department employee was arrested Thursday for sexually assaulting three teenage boys in his vehicle and at his township home over a two-year period, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said.

Daniel Bell, 53, of Parsippany, has been charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and two counts each of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.

The investigation revealed Bell had sexual relationships with three boys, ages 15, 14 and 13, between August 2011 and July 2013, Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp said Friday.

Bell, a volunteer mentor at the Rockaway-based Morris County Prevention is Key Program, came in contact with the first victim, 15, through his work with the organization, Knapp said. The private, non-profit organization provides mentoring services to at-risk youths.

Bell served as the boy's mentor between July 28, 2011 and March 23, 2013, Knapp said. Bell is accused of sexually assaulting the boy between August 2011 and July 2013 inside his vehicle and at his residence, Knapp said.

Bell is also accused of directing and watching sexual acts between the 15-year-old boy and the second victim, 13, Knapp said. These incidents occurred at Bell's home last spring, Knapp said.

Bell also touched the third victim, 14, over his clothing inside his vehicle and directed the boy to engage in sexual activity with the 15-year-old during the winters of 2012 and 2013, Knapp said.

Parsippany Detective Joseph Puso and Detective Michael Gomez, of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, initiated Bell's arrest on Thursday.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department at 973-263-4300 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973-285-6200.