A New Jersey high school teacher has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child after authorities alleged that he engaged in sexual conduct with a student under the age of 18.
According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Jesse Heubel, 37, of Englishtown, is a teacher at Freehold Township High School. He has been charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault and four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
The charges were filed in Freehold Township, Englishtown, Manalapan Township and Red Bank because the alleged conduct reportedly occurred in multiple locations. Investigators allege that the conduct began in November 2025 and involved a student at the school. Heubel turned himself in and was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending court proceedings. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about his alleged activities to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office or Freehold Township Police Department.
Teacher-Student Sexual Abuse Involves an Abuse of Trust
Allegations of teacher sexual assault of a student should not be minimized by describing the conduct simply as a “relationship.”
Teachers occupy positions of trust and authority. They may influence a student’s grades, recommendations, activities, discipline and access to educational opportunities. That imbalance can make it difficult for a student to recognize grooming, reject inappropriate conduct or report what happened.
A student’s participation in communications with a teacher, failure to immediately report the conduct or apparent cooperation does not necessarily mean the student was unharmed. Grooming can involve attention, private messages, gifts, special treatment, secrecy or efforts to gradually cross appropriate boundaries.
Civil Legal Options for Survivors of Teacher Sexual Assault
A criminal prosecution and a civil sexual abuse lawsuit are separate legal proceedings.
The criminal case is brought by the government and may result in punishment if the accused is convicted. A civil case is brought by the survivor and may seek financial compensation and accountability for the resulting harm.
Depending on the circumstances, a survivor of teacher sexual assault may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Counseling and mental-health treatment
- Educational disruption
- Pain and suffering
- Lost academic or career opportunities
- Future treatment and recovery needs
A civil investigation may also determine whether an institution shares responsibility for allowing the alleged abuse to occur.
Can a New Jersey School District Be Held Responsible?
In some cases, a civil claim may be brought not only against the accused teacher but also against a school district or another responsible institution.
New Jersey law permits certain claims against public entities when the sexual abuse of a minor was caused by the negligent hiring, supervision or retention of a public employee.
A school sexual abuse investigation may examine whether:
- Administrators received earlier complaints or warnings
- Employees observed inappropriate conduct or boundary violations
- School communication and student-contact policies were enforced
- The teacher was improperly allowed to be alone with students
- Previous allegations were adequately investigated
- The teacher’s employment and disciplinary history were properly reviewed
Criminal charges against a teacher do not automatically establish that a school district is legally responsible. Liability depends on the evidence and what the school knew, should have known or failed to do.
Experienced Attorneys for Survivors of School Sexual Abuse
Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan has a dedicated Crime Victim Department that exclusively represents survivors of abuse, assault and human trafficking. The department is staffed by former sex-crimes prosecutors who understand how criminal investigations and civil claims can proceed at the same time.
Our attorneys have experience investigating allegations involving teachers, coaches, schools, youth programs and other institutions entrusted with protecting children.
In 2026, our firm announced a $6 million settlement on behalf of three survivors who were sexually abused by a former teacher and coach. The lawsuit alleged years of grooming, ignored warning signs and institutional failures to protect students.
Speak With a New Jersey School Sexual Assault Lawyer
Survivors and families of teacher sexual assault deserve a confidential place to learn about their rights and legal options.
Our trauma-informed attorneys can investigate the accused individual, determine whether a school or district may share responsibility, preserve important evidence and help survivors pursue accountability through the civil justice system.
Contact Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced New Jersey school sexual abuse attorney.
This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.