Endangering the Welfare of a Child Charges Filed in Somerset County
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office has announced that they have arrested a social studies teacher from Watchung Hills Regional High School late last week following a month long investigation. The teacher, a fifty year old male, was formally charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of promoting obscene material to a child. Based on the limited reports that have been released at this point in time, the Warren Township Police Department began investigating the defendant once they received a complaint from one of the students back on September 11th. The student informed the officers that the defendant had sent them “sexually-explicit” photos of himself and text messages that indicated that he wished to pursue a sexual relationship with them. During the investigation, the detectives were able to obtain search warrants for the defendant’s phone and social media accounts. Once those items were obtained and thoroughly searched an arrest warrant for the defendant was issued.
Charged with Endangering Welfare of a Child in Watchung NJ?
He was arrested without issue on October 12th. After being processed on the warrant, he was taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. At the detention hearing, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office will be seeking to convince a judge that the defendant must be detained in the county jail, without bail, pending trial. Endangering the welfare of a child is the most serious charge levied against the defendant. Based on the fact that the defendant was in a “supervisor” role over the alleged victim, the endangering charges will be elevated from a third degree felony to a second degree felony. If convicted of this offense alone, the defendant will be facing anywhere from five to ten years in a State Prison and a fine up to $150,000. In addition, a conviction for this offense will also require the defendant to register under Megan’s Law as well. For more information on endangering the welfare of a child charges in Somerset County, please click the link.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Watchung NJ
Being accused of a crime can be extremely stressful and as such, we strongly encourage for anyone who finds themselves in this type of situation that they contact an attorney as soon as possible. Understanding your options and the potential sentences one faces is absolutely crucial to mounting a successful defense. If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense like endangering the welfare of a child, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness, luring or any other sex offense for that matter in Somerset or Hunterdon County, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. We serve Watchung, Bedminster, Bernards, Hillsborough, Franklin, Clinton, Raritan, Readington, Flemington and Somerville. To schedule a free initial consultation today, please contact our Bridgewater Office at 908.533.1064.
For more information on this incident, please checkout nj.com’s article labeled High school teacher sent sexual photos, messages to student, police say.
