RED BANK – A high school teacher was arrested for having a lengthy sexual relationship with a student that began when she was a junior.
Michael F. Canning, 41, of Long Branch was charged with second-degree Sexual Assault, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact.
He was an English teacher at Red Bank Regional High School. Investigators allege that their relationship began when she was a student at the school in 2015 and continued into 2019.
“These allegations constitute an egregious betrayal of the immense degree of faith we place upon teachers to always act in the best interests of the young minds they are entrusted to develop and educate,” Acting Prosecutor Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. “The charges … are emblematic of our firm commitment to ensure that such conduct is never tolerated, and always met with swift action.”
The case is still under investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and Red Bank Police Department. Anyone with information about Canning’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Red Bank Police Department Detective Paul Perez at 732-530-2700.
Anyone wishing to give anonymous information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – p3tips.com/1182); or by going to the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
