Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
A teacher in New Jersey has been arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault of one of her former students.
Laura Caron, 34, has been charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and second-degree endangerment to the welfare of a child.
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The Cape May County Prosecutors Office confirmed in a Facebook post on Wednesday (January 15) that she had been arrested and taken into custody without incident.
The press report further said: “The charges stem from an investigation revealing that between 2016 and 2020, Ms Caron engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, born in 2005, who had been residing in her home during that time.”
According to authorities, Caron is alleged to have abused the student from the age of 11 through to 15-years-old, with investigators further claiming that she began an abusive relationship with him when teaching him and his brother in the fifth grade.
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When he was 13, a then 28-year-old Caron allegedly became pregnant with his child when he was living with her, The Independent reports.
Investigators say the victim's father took to social media in December last year to share his belief that his son and Caron’s 5-year-old child, who was born in 2019, bore an uncanny resemblance.
In court documents, authorities revealed that the alleged victim’s family became friends with Caron and started allowing their children to stay with her every week before this progressed to them living permanently with the suspect, ABC News reports.
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He then reportedly told his sister in a text message that he had allegedly been abused by Caron and fathered a child. He also reiterated this story to the police when questioned.
If convicted of sexual assault, Caron could face imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, while the other two charges could result in an additional five to 10 years.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland has issued a statement on Caron’s charges, who was a teacher at Middle Township Elementary School.
He said: “This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of our office and law enforcement partners to protect the children in our community. Teachers hold a position of great trust, and the allegations in this case represent a deeply troubling breach of that trust.
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“We will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served and to support the victim and their family throughout this process.”
According to The Independent, The Middle Township School District is cooperating with officials and is offering counselling to any affected by the news, as superintendent David Salvo said: "When the district was first advised of the allegations, the staff member was immediately placed on and continues to be on paid administrative leave.
"Additional questions should be directed to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 8am–10pm Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm weekends. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111
Gerrard Kaonga