The longtime leader of New Jersey's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group has resigned following criminal charges.

Christian Fuscarino stepped down as executive director of Garden State Equality this week after being charged with child endangerment and assault, stemming from an incident last month at his Neptune City home.

According to a statement on social media, Fuscarino describes the situation as a private family matter and said everyone involved is safe.

Court documents allege Fuscarino pulled a child out of bed and struck them multiple times during an incident that was captured on home security video.

He faces a second-degree charge of endangering the welfare of a child, along with two counts of simple assault.

In an online statement, Garden State Equality said he was placed on leave once the charges became known.

The organization has named staff member Brielle Winslow-Majette as acting executive director.

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