Steven Gordon, a former teacher at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, has been charged with criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.
- Multiple teachers in New Jersey have faced serious charges related to sexual offenses with students in recent years.
- These incidents span across various schools and involve educators from different subject areas and roles.
- Authorities have made significant efforts to investigate and bring charges against those involved.
Incident at University Academy Charter High School
On May 29, during school hours, Steven Gordon, a 67-year-old teacher at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, allegedly made inappropriate sexual contact with a student.
This incident led to a criminal investigation and subsequent arrest by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.
Background of Accused Teacher Steven Gordon
Steven Gordon taught freshman health and physical education and had a long teaching career before joining University Academy Charter High School.
According to his biography on the school’s website, he retired after 33 years of teaching various subjects and held five teaching certificates.
Gordon was passionate about influencing young minds and described his health class as a self-paced, university-style learning experience.
Gordon Arrested and Charged with Sexual Misconduct
Gordon was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus and charged with Criminal Sexual Contact and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Following the investigation, he resigned from his teaching position. Gordon’s first court appearance is tentatively scheduled for July 5.
Series of Arrests in New Jersey: Educators Facing Charges
There have been several other arrests recently in New Jersey, with educators facing various charges.
Vincent Root Arrested for Sexual Assault
In October 2023, Vincent Root, a special education teacher from Philadelphia, was arrested on charges of sexual assault and child endangerment.
Root was accused of molesting boys at Chatsworth Elementary School in Woodland over several years. By May 2024, he was indicted for the assault of 14 male students.
Michael Hamilton Arrested for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Michael Hamilton, a band/Orchestra/Jazz Band Director from Springfield, was arrested on October 13, 2023, for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Hamilton allegedly shared hundreds of sexually explicit videos, photos, and messages with a minor victim from February through July 2023.
Andrew Fantasia Charged in October 2023
Andrew Fantasia, a middle school teacher in Jackson Township, was charged in October 2023 with aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.
The offenses took place on school property between February and June 2023.
Fayez Yassa from Jersey City Arrested in October 2023
Fayez Yassa, a substitute teacher from Jersey City, was arrested in October 2023 for sex crimes involving two students.
He faced charges of sexual assault by contact and child endangerment.
Jeffrey and Steven Grossman Arrested in October 2023
In October 2023, Jeffrey Grossman, a teacher and council president in Tenafly, and his son Steven Grossman were arrested on charges of possession of child abuse material.
Over 1,000 files were viewed or downloaded, leading to their arrests and subsequent removal from their respective positions.
Matthew Swajkowski Arrested for Chess Club Misconduct
Matthew Swajkowski, a science teacher and chess club advisor from Verona, was arrested in September 2023 for engaging in sexual activities with a juvenile student in the chess club. He was charged with sexual assault and child endangerment.
Michelle Jacoby Accused of Assault
Michelle Jacoby, a teacher’s aide from Burlington County, was arrested in May 2023 for sexually assaulting a high school student over a two-year period.
Kyle Banner Arrested for Social Media Misconduct
Kyle Banner, a middle school teacher from Toms River, was arrested in May 2023 for posting sexually explicit content on social media and directing his students to view it.
Julius Coaccioli Charged on Child Abuse Material
Julius Coaccioli, a middle school teacher from Middlesex County, was charged in August 2023 with possession of child abuse material.
Decades-Old Allegations of Joseph DePuglio
Joseph DePuglio, a retired high school teacher from Mercer County, was arrested in March 2023 for a sexual relationship with a student that occurred over two decades ago.
Jonathan C. Howell Charged for Aggravated Sexual Assault
In January 2023, Jonathan C. Howell, a former beach lifeguard and high school teacher, was indicted on charges of aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment.
Favio Martell Arrested in September 2023
Favio Martell, a teacher’s aide and soccer coach from Garfield, was arrested in September 2023 for sending a text to a 14-year-old student.
Eric Schau Arrested in March 2023
Eric Schau, a teacher from Hoboken, was arrested in March 2023 for having an online sexually explicit conversation with a 14-year-old girl.
Report Any Suspected Sex Crimes
If you have any information or need to report a sex crime, please contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 201-915-1234. Your call can help protect others and ensure justice is served.
