Middletown HS North teacher charged with engaging in sexual relationship with student
An investigation found that the alleged criminal conduct by McGhee began in late 2024.
FREEHOLD – A local teacher has been criminally charged for engaging in a sexual relationship with a student at his school, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.
Justin McGhee, 35, of Ocean Township, who serves as a teacher and the head girls’ basketball coach at Middletown High School North, is charged with second-degree Sexual Assault and second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Per McGhee’s LinkedIn, he is also a Speed and Strength Coach at Parisi Speed School.
An investigation led by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Middletown Township Police Department revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by McGhee began late last year. The investigation determined that McGhee engaged in sexual acts with the victim who is under the age of 18.
McGhee was arrested Tuesday, January 28, and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court. He has been placed on administrative leave by Middletown High School North.
Middletown School District Superintendent Jessica L. Alfone released the following statement:
The District is aware of the allegations against one of our staff members. Upon learning of these allegations, we placed the employee on administrative leave. As this is a police matter, we cannot provide further comments. However, we will continue to support our students as needed and work closely with law enforcement throughout this process.
At the time of writing, it is not determined who will be coaching the team going forward. The team played Tuesday night, winning and improving its record to 11-8. Last season with McGhee coaching, Middletown North had a record of 13-15.
Anyone with information about McGhee’s activities is urged to contact MCPO Detective David Sidorakis at 800-533-7443 or Middletown Township Police Department Detective Ricardo Cruz at 732-615-2120.
This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Sevan Biramian of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau. McGhee is represented by James J. Uliano, Esq., with an office in West Long Branch.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office reminds everyone that despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
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