Central Regional Teacher Charged With Endangering Child Welfare

BERKELEY, NJ — A Central Regional teacher was charged Thursday with endangering the welfare of a child and lewdness. Joshua Eckersley performed an "indecent act" in the presence of a student Jan. 12 while on school property, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

The child disclosed the incident to authorities, prompting an investigation from the OCPO's Special Victims Unit. The OCPO did not immediately provide details on the indecent act.

Central Regional's faculty directory lists Eckersley as a middle-school math teacher. He also ran for Township Council last year.

Eckersley, 33, was surrendered by his attorney Thursday afternoon. He was processed and released.

“I’d like to commend the Central Regional Board of Education and Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides, superintendent, for their patience and cooperation in our criminal investigation of Mr. Eckersley,” said Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

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