By: Tracie Carter
Image Credit: jerseyshoreonline.com
A former educator and high school girls basketball coach in Monmouth County is expected to serve time in state prison after acknowledging he engaged in unlawful contact with a teenage student inside his Ocean Township home.
According to court documents, 36-year-old Justin M. McGhee entered a guilty plea on Tuesday to charges related to explicit assault. 
Prosecutors said they plan to recommend a sentence of five years and six months in state prison.
McGhee will also have to register as a sex offender and is permanently banned from Middletown High School North’s campus, as well as from any communication with the victim.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 20.
Investigators said McGhee—who was the head coach of the school’s girls basketball program, a physical education teacher, and an assistant football coach—admitted that the illegal conduct occurred in the basement of his Ocean Township residence.
The investigation began in December 2024 when Middletown police received an anonymous tip suggesting McGhee was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The initial report did not identify the minor, according to an affidavit outlining the charges of explicit assault and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Shortly afterward, school officials informed police that the district had also received an email accusing McGhee of similar behavior.
Detectives were eventually able to determine the teen’s identity and later interviewed her and her parents as part of the investigation.
Court filings state the unlawful conduct began last year when the student was between 16 and 17 years old.
McGhee was taken into custody after the allegations were corroborated and was immediately placed on administrative leave by the school district.
He remains held as his sentencing date approaches.