Charges Won't Be Dropped In Mendham Teacher Sex Case: Report

A motion to dismiss charges of official misconduct against a Mendham High School teacher alleged to have engaged in sexual relations with a male student and “improperly fraternizing” with two others was denied Thursday by a judge in Superior Court in Morristown.

Judge Stephen Taylor made the decision, along with allowing evidence seized from the home of Nicole McDonough, 32, of Mt. Olive, nj.com reported. McDonough was arrested Dec. 30, 2014 and subsequently suspended from her position as an English teacher at Mendham High School.

The trysts allegedly took place in the spring of 2014, while the improper communication with two other students occurred in 2013, authorities have said. All three students were 18 at the time of the alleged actions.

McDonough was officially charged with three counts of official misconduct, and the prosecution is seeking a five-year sentence in return for a guilty plea.

The next conference hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12.