2 Rutgers Prep Coaches Charged In Connection With Sex Assault Of Student Athlete

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Two teachers and coaches of Rutgers Prep in Somerset were charged in connection with a sex assault.

Matthew J. Rennie, 30, Rileyville Road in Ringoes was charged with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. And Ranait Griff, 30, 40th Street in Brooklyn, New York was also charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, said Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

Both reportedly worked as teachers and coaches at Rutgers Prep, according to NJSIAA. Rennie served as a girls volleyball coach and Griff as a girls lacrosse coach.

However, as of Oct. 8, Rutgers Prep's athletic website did not have either listed as employees.

"We take the allegations made against two school employees extremely seriously. When we learned they had been arrested, both were immediately suspended. The safety of our students is our first priority. We have hired an experienced investigator to conduct a thorough and independent investigation, and we will cooperate fully with law enforcement. Because this is a legal matter and a personnel matter we will not comment further," said Susan Gantz, spokesperson, Rutgers Preparatory School.

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, a 17-year-old girl reported to Franklin Township Police that she was sexually assaulted by teacher/coach Rennie, said Robertson.

The teen said the sex assaults happened in Montgomery Township and East Amwell Township(Hunterdon County) from July 2021 to September 2021, said Robertson.

As a result of this, Rennie was arrested on Oct. 6. Additionally, it was found during the investigation that Ranait Griff, a female teacher/coach at the same school knew about the sexual relationship, said Robertson.

Griff was arrested by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department without incident at the Franklin Township Police Department.

Both Rennie and Griff were taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with information relating to the sexual assault to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit 908-231-7100 or the Montgomery Township Police Department at 908-359-3222 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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