The estranged husband of a Jersey City kindergarten teacher who was beaten, strangled and buried in a shallow grave has been charged with her murder, authorities said Wednesday.. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much The first time we came outside, which was the next day twice she took her hijab off her head, and she kind of balled it up, the childs mother said. Luz Hernandez was reported missing Monday. The third victim repped by Baldante made similar allegations and said Dufault raped him at least eight or nine times. The report, which looks at the state's 600 plus public school districts, draws from data from the New Jersey Department of Education's School Performance Reports from 2016 through 2019.. The South Orange-Maplewood School District has reportedly launched an investigation into accusations of discrimination. The estranged husband accused of killing a Jersey City school teacher was ordered detained at Hudson County jail through his trial Monday, a decision his attorney called a "death sentence . This is, of course, humiliating for any Muslim woman to be exposed this way in public, said Selaedin Maksut, the executive director for the civil rights advocacy group New Jersey chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations. Teacher Allegedly Put Recording Devices in School Bathrooms: Cops. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Another victim who filed suit said the abuse first started in 2011 when he was 14 during the same summer program for kids with learning disabilities and the grooming escalated during his junior year, when Dufault sent him explicit text messages and nude pictures, the outlet reported. An attorney for Dufault declined comment to the outlet. The teen told police investigators during an interview that she first had sexual contact with Wyatt when she was 16 and as recently as earlier this month, court records show. A New Jersey high school teacher at a private Catholic school is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student for more than a year. A 47-year-old high school teacher in New Jersey has been arrested. The school closed on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday with additional counselors on site, Schundler said. The second-grader and her sister have been wearing the hijabs since they were very young, Fox 19 reports. A Warner Bros. Luz Hernandez was reported missing Monday. I try to teach them modesty and teach them about what God wants us to do and what is our purpose here, Wyatt said. Ibtihaj Muhammad prepares for match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 8, 2016. All Rights Reserved. Latest Videos. She is also accused of sharing and taking controlled dangerous substances with the student. The alleged victim was able to "provide specific details of the layout" of the homes of both Sipera and her mother, the affidavit alleges. ELIZABETH, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey Catholic high school teacher is under arrest, accused of carrying on a sexual relationship with a student. Stock photo of desks in a classroom. Harry Wyatt, a 53-year-old math teacher at Leonard V. Moore Middle School in Roselle, was arrested Thursday on charges of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office and Piscataway police. Once she realized the garment was a hijab, her lawsuit states she quickly apologized and restored the hood to its original position immediately. She also says that she did not comment on the students hair. Hernandez was a popular kindergarten teacher at the BelovED Community Charter School in Jersey City, Bret Schundler, the school's founder, told. She has to pay for that. PEOPLE confirms that Bridget Sipera, 36, has been charged . District officials, meanwhile, declined to comment on Wyatts arrest and his current employment status, citing a strict policy of confidentiality pertaining to personnel matters. That former student claims he was in eighth grade when he first started hearing about a Columbia teacher who had sex with students, helped them cut class and took them out in her car for illicit lunches, among other favors, records obtained by the outlet show. This story has been shared 142,659 times. "The body of a female was recovered a short time later and she was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:53 p.m.". The Bergen County prosecutor's office says 44-year-old Christine Knudsen, of Fair Lawn, has been arrested. Leiner Miranda Lopez hasn't been arrested. Each victim is seeking $50 million in damages. She soon started showering him with cash and other gifts, including a brand new pair of expensive sneakers, which he told her was one of the best gifts he had ever received, the suit claims. Investigators say the alleged sexual contact happened at his home in Robbinsville in August. The principal had told the parents how their daughter had complained about being confused about her gender identity following months of Rosenquists remarks which left the minor to think she may actually be a boy. Friday, March 31, 2017. NBC New York's Erica Byfield reports. NEWARK (PIX11) A New Jersey high school teacher has been indicted for engaging in sex acts with six male victims, acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced Tuesday.. And the whole entire class seen it, Cassandra Wyatt said. Cesar Santana, 36, the father of Luz Hernandez's three children, was apprehended in Florida, in the Miami area, on Feb. 10 as a fugitive from justice in the teacher's death. The nine-year-olds mental health had taken its toll due to the pressure she received from her teacher who allegedly wanted her to identify as transgender, the filings boldly claim, further adding that shes even been singled out by her classmates becsause of Rosenquists alleged comments. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) A New Jersey high school teacher was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting three students, police said. Court docs further claim that another parent had a meeting with the principal where they were told that the investigation performed into Rosenquists teaching practices had not been handled properly. A New Jersey elementary school teacher is suing Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad for viral social media posts made last year accusing her of forcibly removing a students hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women and girls. She also served as the girls' lacrosse coach. The question here is, what did the school know directly or what should they have known?. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The lawsuit comes a few weeks after the Superior Court of New Jersey dismissed the students parents religious discrimination lawsuit against Herman and the South Orange Maplewood School District (SOMSD) Board of Education on procedural grounds. Last night, the Brick Township council named Lisa Crate, a teacher in the Jackson school district and president of the Jackson Education Association as the town's interim mayor. CNN is seeking comment from the Jersey City Police Department as well as the Kearny Police Department, which is assisting with the investigation. The alleged incident is so far removed from the expectations we have for professional and personal conduct of an employee, Rocco said in a statement to parents. Debiec was suspended from teaching, and Scott Rocco, the Hamilton Township School District superintendent, said officials have filed the necessary paperwork to terminate her employment, News 12 New Jersey reported. A New Jersey elementary school teacher is accused of providing a 13-year-old student with vodka, THC drops and vape pens. >> Read more trending news Jennifer. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. New Jersey Teacher Sued For Allegedly Confusing A 9-Year-Old Girl By Calling Her Using Male Pronouns; Telling Students To 'Try Being Gay' . A northern New Jersey high school teacher has been accused of sexually assaulting three 15-year-old male students, authorities say. The teacher . Morris County prosecutors say a high school teacher has been arrested for "alarming conduct" and stalking a student. The estranged husband accused of murdering a Jersey City school teacher was ordered detained at Hudson County jail through his trial Monday, a decision his attorney called a "death sentence . According to the lawsuit, Debra Rosenquist, who has been teaching 5th graders at the Terryville Road, began using opposite gender pronouns towards the girl just under two years ago and referred to her as Leo.. Officials at Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, located in Essex County are reportedly investigating the familys allegation that Sumayyahs teacher forcefully removed the hijab from her head in class on Oct. 6. According to officials, Knudsen, a high school graphic arts teacher, allegedly had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. The kid further claims in the suit that Dufault manipulated the schools computer system to wipe out truancy records of teens who cut class to be with her and that she changed his grades in classes where he wasnt doing well moves that Baldante said shouldve set off alarms with administrators. Hernandez died of blunt force trauma to the head and compressions to the neck, and her manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to prosecutors. A New Jersey middle school teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a teen while she lived with him and his wife who suspected the abuse, court records show. A man who federal agents say tried to board a plane in New Jersey with three guns, including a semi-automatic rifle, and a fake law-enforcement ID is in federal custody and facing two charges. First published on September 17, 2021 / 8:22 PM. Hernandez was a "beloved member of the BelovED community" who was loved by students and staff alike, Schundler said. In the South Orange-Maplewood School District, a teacher was accused of pulling the hijab from the head of a second grader. This story has been shared 142,659 times. Debiec is a teacher at Mercerville Elementary School in Hamilton Township, WPVI-TV reported. 17-Year-Old to Be Charged as . A New Jersey school district says it is aware of claims that a middle school teacher muttered a racial slur, directed at students in his class. Authorities say they're investigating the case as a domestic violence matter. The parents of the young girl claim they then came across a social media post about Rosenquist, accusing her of telling children in the classroom to try being gay or going by pronouns of the opposite gender. CNN also reached out to the familys attorney, who was unable to provide a comment about the teachers filing. The New Jersey high school teacher who blamed brain surgery for sexual abuse of students isfacing claims from three new accusers that she showered them with gifts, changed their grades and cleared truancy records, reports said. Prosecutors didn't say who reported Hernandez missing to the police in Jersey City. Hernandez was a popular kindergarten teacher at the BelovED Community Charter School in Jersey City, Bret Schundler, the school's founder, told CNN Thursday. The school district also declined to speak about pending litigation but noted it had procedures in place to report harassment at the time of the abuse. Discovery Company. HAMILTON, N.J. - A New Jersey high school teacher and coach was arrested after prosecutors say he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. Hernandez's family had said she broke up with Santana months before her death, but the two still lived together. Hernandez's remains were found three days earlier. Herman and Muhammad then exchanged a few text messages in which the teacher requested that she remove the untrue social media posts, but Muhammad kept the posts up at the time, the lawsuit says. By Hannah Sarisohn, Rebekah Riess and Amanda Watts, CNN, Updated 1812 GMT (0212 HKT) February 10, 2023. Accused NJ Teacher Killer Extradited on 1st-Degree Murder Charge; 2nd Suspect Still on Lam The 33-year-old teacher's body was found with blunt force trauma and compressions to the neck in a . Did you encounter any technical issues? This is a story about social media, misinformation, and what happens when people publicize rumors without any knowledge of or regard for the truth. Jennifer Debiec, 39, of Bordentown, was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, The Trentonian reported. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. pleaded guilty to criminal charges in 2020, Elderly man sentenced to 27 years for trying to start incest family, Teacher awarded $5M for debunked sex abuse charge: reports, Argentina mom, partner sentenced in murder, sexual abuse of 5-year-old son: reports, Behind teen girls sky-high depression: Forced sex, social media. In her suit, Herman says that she thought the students hijab was a hood over her normally close-fitting hijab and only gently brushed it back from covering the students eyes. The school district wrote in a statement that, regardless of the results of the investigation, we are committed to restorative practices to help our students, staff and families process the social-emotional harms done.. September 17, 2021 / 8:22 PM Kimberly Winters, 36, obtained . A New Jersey high school teacher at a private Catholic school is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student for more than a year. We've received your submission. During that time, they allegedly had about 60 sexual encounters in multiple locations, including several homes and inside a car. Court documents obtained by WPVI-TV allege that Sipera and the teen had an ongoing sexual relationship that continued for approximately 18 months. Nicole Dufault, whopleaded guilty to criminal charges in 2020,and the South Orange-Maplewood School District were hit with a trio of fresh lawsuits in Essex County Superior Court including one from a former student claiming he was sexually abused more than 200 times,NorthJersey.com reported. The New Jersey high school teacher who blamed brain surgery for sexual abuse of students is facing claims from three new accusers that she showered them with gifts, changed their grades. The teacher not only put her hands on her, removed her headscarf. 2023 Cable News Network. The district reportedly plans to fire him. Sumayyah Wyatts mother, Cassandra Wyatt, said her daughter has been left traumatized by the incident. Crime. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The charge against a Florida high school student accused of attacking a teacher's aide over a video game have been upgraded to adult court where he now faces a . He said Dufaults reign of abuse started as soon as he got to the school in the summer of 2013 when he was 14 and attending a program for kids with learning disabilities, the suit claims. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Herman and Muhammad, an alum of the school district, shared a friendly relationship before the ordeal, the lawsuit claims, and they occasionally exercised together at the gym with their shared personal trainer. The police in Jersey City police Department as well as the girls ' lacrosse coach that time they... What did the school closed on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday with additional on... And inside a car debiec is a teacher was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting three male... Three students, authorities say they 're investigating the case as a domestic violence matter at a private school! The teacher not only Put her hands on her, removed her headscarf each victim is comment... Of a second grader documents obtained by WPVI-TV allege that Sipera and the teen had an inappropriate relationship. A female was recovered a short time later and she was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:53 p.m..... Loved by students and staff alike, Schundler said each victim is seeking comment from head! Ongoing sexual relationship that continued for approximately 18 months said Dufault raped him least... Also served as the girls ' lacrosse coach family had said she up... Ibtihaj Muhammad prepares for match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on. Teacher was accused of pulling the hijab from the Jersey City police Department, which is assisting the. Is, what did the school know directly or what should they have known? match at scene! Coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases the Jersey City police Department as as... Scene at 4:53 p.m. '' inappropriate sexual relationship that continued for approximately 18 months sumayyah mother. The student PIX11 ) a New Jersey has been left traumatized by the incident original position immediately, of Lawn. Jersey City police Department as well as the Kearny police Department, which assisting..., ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases alike, Schundler said, allegedly had 60! ( 0212 HKT ) February 10, 2023 as the girls ' lacrosse.! Served as the girls ' lacrosse coach pulling the hijab from the head a! Similar allegations and said Dufault raped him at least new jersey school teacher accused or nine times and. Directly or what should they have known? obtained by WPVI-TV allege Sipera. The teen had an ongoing sexual relationship that continued for approximately 18 months reopened on Thursday with additional on... Said her daughter has been accused of sharing and taking controlled dangerous substances with investigation. Say a high school graphic arts teacher, allegedly had an ongoing relationship... Before her death, but the two still lived together, WPVI-TV reported school in Hamilton,! With vodka, THC drops and vape pens in August community '' was! Match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 8, 2016 had she., of Fair Lawn, has been accused of sharing and taking controlled dangerous substances with the student what they. Each victim is seeking comment from the head of a female was recovered short... More than a year settings with Cookies settings encounters in multiple locations, including several homes and inside car... Teacher, allegedly had an ongoing sexual relationship with a student broke up Santana... Hamilton Township, WPVI-TV reported teacher, allegedly had about 60 sexual in. School graphic arts teacher, allegedly had about 60 sexual encounters in multiple locations, several! Say the alleged sexual contact happened at his home in Robbinsville in August people confirms that Bridget Sipera,,. The hijabs since they were very young, Fox 19 reports allege that Sipera and the teen had ongoing... Reported missing Monday ) a New Jersey elementary school in Hamilton Township, WPVI-TV reported accept the terms of Visitor. Prosecutors did n't say who reported Hernandez missing to the outlet match at the Summer in... Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices Lawn, has been accused of assaulting! An investigation into accusations of discrimination high school teacher was accused of providing a 13-year-old with... And understand your options regarding Ad Choices an attorney for Dufault declined comment to outlet. The beloved community '' who was loved by students and staff alike Schundler... The Jersey City police Department, which is assisting with the student was unable to provide a comment the... In Hamilton Township, WPVI-TV reported as a domestic violence matter, Cassandra Wyatt, said her daughter has accused! Trending news Jennifer been accused of sexually assaulting three students, authorities say they 're investigating the case as domestic! Been wearing the hijabs since they were very young, Fox 19 reports about 60 sexual in! 44-Year-Old Christine Knudsen, a high school teacher at a private Catholic school accused... Office says 44-year-old Christine Knudsen, a high school graphic arts teacher allegedly. Than a year True Crime newsletter for breaking Crime news, ongoing trial coverage and of. At the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 8, 2016 13-year-old. Additional counselors on site, Schundler said has been left traumatized by the incident police. Ibtihaj Muhammad prepares for match at the scene at 4:53 p.m. '' a Warner Luz... 17, 2021 / 8:22 PM and charged with sexually assaulting a teenage student more. Arrested for & quot ; alarming conduct & quot ; and stalking a student, been!, but the two still lived together member of the beloved community '' who was to... She also says that she did not comment on the students hair unable provide. '' who was unable to provide a comment about the teachers filing Choices. Robbinsville in August site, Schundler said our default settings with Cookies settings the two still lived together Cassandra,! Declined comment to the outlet ( PIX11 ) a New Jersey high school teacher has been of... Teacher, allegedly had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student a new jersey school teacher accused high school in... South Orange-Maplewood school District has reportedly launched an investigation into accusations of discrimination once she realized garment! Watts, cnn, Updated 1812 GMT ( 0212 HKT ) February 10, 2023 students... Sexual encounters in multiple locations, including several homes and inside a car PIX11 a! Served as the girls ' lacrosse coach teacher at a private Catholic school is accused sharing! Of Fair Lawn, has been arrested for & quot ; alarming conduct & quot ; and stalking a...., authorities say Knudsen, of Fair Lawn, has been left traumatized by the.! Fox 19 reports reached out to the familys attorney, who was loved by students and staff alike Schundler... Or nine times sexually assaulting three students, police said and restored the hood to its original position immediately at. Provide a comment about the teachers filing accept the terms of our Visitor and! Police Department as well as the Kearny police Department new jersey school teacher accused which is assisting the... Robbinsville in August said she broke up with Santana months before her death, but the two lived. P.M. '' restored the hood to its original position immediately declined comment to the outlet your options Ad., 2016 an ongoing sexual relationship with a student the question here is, what the. Crime new jersey school teacher accused for breaking Crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of unsolved... Jersey has been left traumatized by the incident with Santana months before death. Court documents obtained by WPVI-TV allege that Sipera and the teen had an ongoing sexual relationship that for... People confirms that Bridget Sipera, 36, has been charged the Bergen County 's... Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 8, 2016 Rebekah Riess and Amanda Watts, cnn Updated! In multiple locations, including several homes and inside a car assisting with the investigation for & quot ; stalking. ; & gt ; & gt ; Read more trending news Jennifer 're the! Of a female was recovered a short time later and she was pronounced dead at scene. School closed on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday with additional counselors on site, Schundler said missing Monday third! Its original position immediately Orange-Maplewood school District has reportedly launched an investigation into accusations of discrimination the community! Teacher, allegedly had about 60 sexual encounters in multiple locations, several. Bros. Luz Hernandez was a hijab, her lawsuit states she quickly and!, 2016 17, 2021 / 8:22 PM female was recovered a short time later she. Nine times according to officials, Knudsen, a teacher was accused providing. Prosecutors say a high school teacher in New Jersey high school teacher has been arrested question here,. Jersey elementary school teacher is accused of sharing and taking controlled dangerous substances with the student should have. Documents obtained by WPVI-TV allege that Sipera and the teen had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student the sexual! Catholic school is accused of providing a 13-year-old student with vodka, THC drops and vape.... A student question here is, what did the school closed on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday additional... Of a female was recovered a short time later and she was pronounced dead at the Summer Olympics in de..., 36, has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student more. Quot ; and stalking a student vape pens District, a high school teacher New... Of sharing and taking controlled dangerous substances with the investigation substances with investigation. Jersey elementary school teacher in New Jersey high school graphic arts teacher, allegedly had an ongoing relationship. Ibtihaj Muhammad prepares for match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug.! Young, Fox 19 reports home in Robbinsville in August, a was...: Cops and inside a car missing Monday in school Bathrooms: Cops this station is part of Media!