NJ Elementary School Teacher Sexually Assaulted Student For 4 Years: Prosecutor

MIDDLE TWP., NJ — A fifth grade teacher at Middle Township Elementary School is accused of having an "inappropriate sexual relationship" with a student, born in 2005, over the course of several years while the child lived in her home, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office said.

Laura Caron, 34, was charged with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Michael Emmer in conjunction with Middle Township Police Chief Tracey Super announced in a news release.

Between 2016 and 2020, Caron "engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student" who was born in 2005 and living in her home at the time, authorities said.

The relationship between Caron and the student was unclear, and authorities did not say why the child was living with her.

Caron was taken into custody on Jan. 15 and a court-authorized search warrant was executed on her home, authorities said.

"This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of our office and law enforcement partners to protect the children in our community," Sutherland said. "Teachers hold a position of great trust, and the allegations in this case represent a deeply troubling breach of that trust. We will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served and to support the victim and their family throughout this process."

Super said that police are taking "every step possible to ensure the safety of our children.""

"Our department is working closely with the Prosecutor's Office to ensure that every aspect of this case is thoroughly investigated," Super said. "If there are others who may have relevant information, I urge them to come forward immediately. No piece of information is too small when it comes to protecting our community."

The Middle Township School District has been notified and is cooperating with law enforcement. Counseling and support services are being made available to students, staff, and families who may be affected by this news.

Sutherland urges anyone who may have additional information relating to this investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135, or

anonymously through the Prosecutor's Office website at cmcpo.tips as well as through the Cape May County Sheriff's Tip Line at cmcsherrif.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-889-3597