Ex-Teacher Indicted In Sex Abuse Of Student: Ocean County Prosecutor

JACKSON, NJ — A Jackson middle school teacher was indicted on child pornography and criminal sexual contact charges after an inappropriate sexual relationship with a high school student, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Andrew Fantasia, 27, was indicted by a grand jury on the charges of possession of child pornography, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of criminal sexual contact and official misconduct in connection with a series of events between Feb. 2023 and June 2023, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The Beachwood resident was a teacher at Carl W. Goetz Middle school and a club advisor at Jackson Memorial High School at the time he had sexual contact with the student on school property, Billhimer said. Fantasia also requested nude photos from the student, Billhimer said.

Detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on Fantasia's home on Oct. 25, where they seized multiple electronic devices in his possession, authorities said. He was taken to Ocean County Jail.

Authorities conducted a full forensic analysis of Fantasia's devices, which revealed nude photos of the student on his cell phone, Bilhimer said. He was then served with additional charges of child pornography and child endangerment, Billhimer said. Fantasia was released from jail due to bail reform.