Burlington Co. Teacher Molested 14 Kids, With More Victims Coming Forward: Prosecutor

CHATSWORTH, NJ — A special education teacher accused of molesting students on school grounds received a 28-count indictment, with additional victims coming forward, authorities said Friday.

Vincent Root was charged last year after investigators found he sexually assaulted seven children who were enrolled at Chatsworth Elementary School. He has now been indicted on those offenses and charged with inappropriately touching another seven students, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO).

Root, 59, of Philadelphia, has now been accused of sexually abusing 14 children, authorities said.

The 28-count indictment charges Root with 14 counts of sexual assault and 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child — all second-degree offenses.

Investigation into Root began last September, when a student came forward and accused the teacher of touching him during previous school years, the BCPO said. Root was initially charged in October after authorities found that he sexually abused seven male victims in classrooms within the school building, authorities said.

His actions occurred over a multiyear period, authorities said.

The Woodland Township School District placed Root on administrative leave and banned him from school property, the BCPO said last fall. Read more: BurlCo Elementary School Teacher Sexually Assaulted 7 Students: Prosecutor

Root pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week. He is currently free, pending trial.

Information on the victims, including their ages and school-enrollment dates, have been withheld to protect their identities.

Anyone who believes that Root victimized them can contact the BCPO by emailing tips@co.burlington.nj.us, or calling 609-265-5035 and asking to speak to a detective in the Special Victims Unit.