Teacher Who Threatened To 'Shoot Up' Cranford School Released

CRANFORD, NJ - The special education teacher at Orange Avenue School who allegedly threatened to bring a gun to the school and "shoot up the place" has been deemed not to be a danger to himself or others and was released Tuesday after completing a mental health screening.

Matthew Acosta, a 33-year-old Kenilworth resident, was arrested and charged with 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 Nov. 2. Acosta will be back in court on Jan. 3 to face the charges.

According to the State v. Acosta complaint affidavit, Acosta, who has been employed at the school since May of 2018, was having difficulty adjusting to being a special education teacher. The complaint notes that Acosta had several disciplinary infractions and and exhibited anger issues directed at a pair of teachers he directly worked with in the classroom.

"Matthew was adamant that his co-teachers were out to get him and he should just bring a gun to school and shoot up the place," the complaint reads.

According to the complaint, Acosta was adamant his co-teachers were "out to get him."

"This morning, another detention hearing was held, this time before the Honorable John Deitch, J.S.C. The Judge advised that the Court reviewed the psychiatrist’s report from Trinitas Medical Center, which found that the individual is not a danger to himself or others," Cranford Superintendent Scott Rubin said in an email. "The Judge also advised that the psychiatrist’s report found that the individual is not suffering from any suicidal or homicidal ideation."

After receiving the psychiatrist's report and hearing from the Prosecutor’s Office and defense counsel, Deitch signed a Pre-trial Release Order with the following conditions:

• The individual is not permitted to possess a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon;
• The individual must refrain from the excessive use of alcohol, any use of narcotic drugs, or other controlled substance without a prescription by a licensed medical practitioner;
• The individual must report to Pretrial Services telephonically once every other week and in person once every other week;
• The individual is barred from going to any public school;
• The individual is not permitted to come within 100 feet of all Cranford Public Schools;
• The individual must undergo available medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment, including treatment for drug or alcohol dependency, and remain in a specified institution if needed for that purpose;
• The individual must attend anger management counseling;
• The individual must seek an evaluation/assessment from a psychologist or psychiatrist and follow any and all recommendations;
• The individual must surrender all of his firearms and his Purchaser ID card;
• The individual must appear for all scheduled court proceedings; and
• The individual must immediately notify Pretrial Services of any change of address, telephone number, or other contact information.

As with most Pre-trial Release Orders, Acostas' provides that if Acosta fails to appear in court, violates any conditions of release, or commits a new offense, such actions may result in additional penalties or consequences for the individual including, the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, increasingly restrictive conditions, a revocation of his release, the forfeiture of any monetary bail, and possible detention.

"I want to assure you that the District’s number one priority will continue to be the safety and welfare of our children and school community. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Cranford Police Department. Chief Ryan Greco and I have remained in constant contact with one another with respect to this individual," Rubin said. "The District, through its partnership with law enforcement, has increased security measures for the entire District, including assigning a dedicated officer who will remain at Orange Avenue School for the foreseeable future and beyond. Additionally, the District over the last couple of years has taken significant steps to harden our schools and enhance our procedures and protocols."

Greco told Patch that there will be a dedicated officer assigned to Orange Avenue School going forward.

"As a father who has two daughters in the school district I am fully aware of the safety concerns of Orange Avenue School parents. I will continue to ensure that the students and parents can go about their day, and not worry about their or their children’s safety," Greco said. "We will continue to monitor this situation and fully intend to have a strong increased police presence at Orange Avenue School. Dr. Rubin and I have had daily discussions to determine the best course of action in addressing these concerns."

Rubin said that the safety of the school community is a shared responsibility and although the Trinitas Medical Center psychiatrist’s report found that Acosta does not now pose a threat to himself or others, everyone should remain vigilant.

"I challenge each and every one of us to view this situation as an opportunity to renew our vigilance in keeping Cranford safe. We continue to encourage our entire community to please say something if you hear or see something," Rubin said. "I am so deeply saddened that this event occurred, but I am so appreciative of the collective response of the school district administration, faculty, and, especially, the Cranford Police Department, as we work together to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our students."

Acosta is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 3 for a Plea Disposition Conference.

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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