NJ Parents Demand Councilwoman's Resignation After Ex-Husband's Child Porn Arrest
Parents in a New Jersey suburb are demanding the resignation of a local councilwoman after her ex-husband, a disgraced children’s magician, was arrested on child porn charges.
Scott Morley, the former owner of Morley’s Magic Theater in Butler, was arrested on May 15 for possessing images of child sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Police found disturbing images on his computer and a pair of girls’ underwear in his home. Morley, 48, known as "Morley the Magician," entertained at children's parties throughout the tri-state area.
Morley and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Britni Morley, owned and operated Morley’s Magic Shop in Butler since 2014, offering after-school programs and magic workshops. They also hosted holiday events where they played Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Since the arrest, Morley has deactivated his social media pages and website. Britni Morley, who sits on Butler’s borough council, has not been charged with any crimes. However, seven Butler parents, speaking anonymously, accused her of knowing about her ex-husband’s actions and are demanding her resignation.
The couple, who share two young daughters, performed together until late last year. They separated in February, and Britni filed for divorce in March. According to an arrest affidavit, a witness came forward in April. This witness, hired to paint the theater inside Morley’s Magic Shop in 2022, allegedly found the underwear and several USB flash drives. Confronting Morley about the discovery, the magician reportedly began smashing the drives with a hammer.
Some in Butler believe Britni knew about the crimes long before the arrest. Britni’s father, Walter Orcutt, is the deputy mayor of Blairstown. Her divorce attorney, Andrew DeLaney, stated that Britni fully cooperated with the investigation. “Any suggestions of wrongdoing on her part are baseless, disgusting, and ultimately destructive to the criminal justice process,” he said.
Parents plan to attend the next Butler council meeting on June 18 to demand Britni’s resignation. One parent expressed outrage, stating, “My children attended their programs, and we were deceived by Britni, who served our children up on a platter for Scott’s fantasies.”
Another parent questioned why Britni hasn’t been charged and voiced concerns about the potential involvement of their children in the illegal images. “She is still on the council and has access to children,” they said.
According to authorities, the investigation into Scott Morley began when the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received an anonymous tip. The affidavit alleges Morley admitted to collecting child porn since 1996 and using the underwear and images for self-gratification.
Morley was released without bail but is prohibited from using the internet and having contact with minors. His attorney, Robert Bianchi, said, “My client maintains his innocence, and we’re satisfied that the court saw fit to release him over the objections of the prosecutor.”
Parents claim attempts to reach Butler Mayor Ryan Martinez for comment were met with being blocked on social media. Martinez, who appointed Scott Morley to the borough’s Economic Development Commission in February 2023, has not responded to requests for comment.
Butler’s borough administrator, Jim Lampmann, told The Post, “The Mayor, like all borough officials, understands and shares the concerns and outrage these charges have generated. This matter is being addressed by the appropriate authorities and they, not Facebook, need to be the source for information and comment to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and protect the victims, families, and all involved in this matter.”
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