Prosecutor: NJ Teacher’s Aide Charged For Sexual Relationship With Student

A Riverside High School teacher's aide has been charged for allegedly having a two-year-long sexual relationship with a male student.

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw's office says 27-year-old Michelle Jacoby of Riverside has been charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities say an investigation began Tuesday after they received information that the student had disclosed the relationship to a teacher.

The investigation revealed that the relationship, which has since ended, involved multiple encounters over a two-year period beginning when the student was a freshman. Nearly of all them occurred in Jacoby’s home.

The age of the student and other details are being withheld in an attempt to protect his identity.

Riverside Superintendent Michael Adams said that Jacoby, who also serves as the Riverside High School marching band director, has been suspended.

Adams said in a statement,

The safety of our students and staff is absolutely paramount. Therefore, I want to assure you that based on the information shared with me regarding this specific allegation from a few years ago, there is no current safety concern for our staff or students. The School District will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities regarding this situation and will continue to provide the appropriate support/training for our staff and students.

Jacoby was taken into custody Tuesdsy night and released today following an appearance in Superior Court.

The public is reminded that charges are allegations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.