Central Regional Teacher Suspended After Alleged 'Indecent Act'

BERKELEY, NJ — A Central Regional teacher facing legal woes was suspended from work after the district was notified of the January incident, according to the superintendent. Joshua Eckersley was charged Thursday with endangering the welfare of a child and lewdness.

Eckersley performed an "indecent act" in the presence of a student Jan. 12 while on school property, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said. Read more: Central Regional Teacher Charged With Endangering Child Welfare

The middle school math teacher has not been back on school grounds and won't be until the matter is concluded, said Superintendent Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides.

"Mr. Eckersley is suspended with pay currently and will be discussed in our closed session at our February 20, 2020 meeting, now that we have all the information and can make an informed decision," Parlapanides told Patch via email.

Parlapanides also addressed Eckersley's arrest in a letter Thursday to parents.

"We are very troubled by this incident and have been fully cooperating with law enforcement and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office in their investigation," he wrote. "Please understand that we cannot provide information that would interfere with the ongoing investigation and legal process."

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited Central Regional's administration Thursday for their cooperation during the investigation.

The OCPO did not immediately provide details on the alleged indecent act. Inquiries for clarification were not returned by the time of publication.

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

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