Teacher Who Threatened Cranford School Remains Jailed

CRANFORD, NJ - The teacher who was arrested after allegedly threatening Cranford's Orange Avenue School last Friday will remain in custody after his bond hearing Thursday afternoon. State Superior Court Judge Daniel R. Lindemann today granted the State's motion to remand Matthew Acosta, a 33-year-old Kenilworth resident, pending a mental health screening for dangerousness, according to the Director of Communications for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Mark Spivey.

"A subsequent hearing will be scheduled following the filing of a report on the screening and receipt of the report by the defense and the State," Spivey said.

Several factors could influence how long that process takes, so no timeline for a second hearing could be established.

Acosta faces one count of third degree terroristic threats and one count of fourth degree risking widespread injury or damage for an incident that happened at the school Friday.

School Superintendent Scott Rubin said late Friday afternoon a faculty member reported to Orange Avenue School Principal Marc Edery that another faculty member made a threat against Orange Avenue School. Edery immediately contacted Cranford Police Department, who conducted an investigation and arrested Acosta.

Rubin said that Edery met with faculty in advance of school Monday, with a focus of ensuring students feel comfortable and safe. Rubin also noted that Lisa Burfeindt, the Director of School Counseling, arranged for extra counselors to be available to speak to any student who may need to talk with someone.

Chief of Police Ryan Greco ordered increased security at the school on Monday and Greco said the additional officers will remain in place for the time being.

As to the specifics of the threat and other details of the case, Greco said that information will not be released to avoid jeopardizing an ongoing investigation.

"I am fully aware of the public wanting to know the exact content of the threat, and we will in the near future consult with the Union County Prosecutor's Office to determine if the release of that information will in any way jeopardize the prosecution of Mr. Acosta," Greco said.

The State was represented in court today by Union County Assistant Prosecutors Kathleen Dillon and Robert Vanderstreet, Spivey said.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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