By: Najla Alexander
An English teacher at Red Bank Regional High School has been arrested and criminally charged with having a long-term sexual relationship with a former student, starting when she was enrolled at the school, Monmouth County officials announced.
According to Monmouth officials, Michael F. Canning, 41, of Long Branch, is charged with second-degree Sexual Assault, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact.
Officials say, an investigation involving members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and the Red Bank Police Department revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Canning began in 2015 when the victim was a junior and extended into 2019.
According to Red Bank officials, on numerous occasions during that time, Canning allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim at various locations in Red Bank, Little Silver, and Shrewsbury.
Red Bank officials say, Canning was arrested without incident in Oceanport on Saturday and transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where he remains incarcerated pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
This matter remains under joint investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and Red Bank Police Department.
“These allegations constitute an egregious betrayal of the immense degree of faith we place upon teachers to always act in the best interests of the young minds they are entrusted to develop and educate,” Acting Prosecutor Santiago said.
“The charges filed this weekend are emblematic of our firm commitment to ensure that such conduct is never tolerated and always met with swift action.”