Long Branch Janitors Suspended For Binding Boys In Bathroom: Investigation Continues [POLL]

No charges have been filed against two janitors at the Gregory Elementary School in Long Branch after the pair were suspended for tying up four young boys with caution tape in a school bathroom last Thursday.

"There are no indications that the incident involved anything of a sexual nature," says Richard Incremona, Deputy First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor.

He said the Prosecutor's office is working with local authorities."We are reviewing the case thoroughly and continuing to investigate if there should be any criminal charges filed."

Long Branch School District Superintendent Michael Salvatore sent a letter home to parents today assuring them that he takes this incident seriously and the school is offering "age appropriate" conversations for those involved.

"As a parent I am extremely disturbed by the allegations as nothing is more important to me than the security of our children.

Long Branch school officials said the incident was a "prank gone horribly wrong."  The names of the workers and students involved have not been released.

“Regardless of founded criminality, as the acts are claimed to be without malice and in jest; I have taken abrupt punitive action as a safeguard for the children,” said Salvatore.

“The employees were sent home immediately, suspended with pay and were later summoned to the Long Branch Police Department for testimony,’’ Salvatore added.

Incremona said the school administration “acted promptly and properly.”

Letter to Parents

Dear Long Branch families,

Many of you have seen reports from local press about an incident that occurred at the Gregory school regarding allegations of misconduct against two school employees, as superintendent of schools, and as a parent I am extremely disturbed by the allegations as nothing is more important to me than the security of our children. This incident appears to be an isolated act, this is one incident too many I am writing to convey to you how serious we are taking these allegations and to inform you the steps we are taking as a district to support the affected school communities and to ensure the safety of our children. I’m in regular contact with the principal, staff and many parents from Gregory school and have spoken to each family directly involved in this incident and will continue to make myself available to those who need clarification, support and services surrounding this incident. In addition we have made resources available at the Gregory school for parents to assist to have age appropriate conversations with their child/ children in the specific actions they should take if a child may have been affected directly or indirectly by this incident.

While I cannot discuss the details of the case due to the ongoing investigation I want you to know that the district did indeed prompt this investigation and is fully cooperating with the LBPD, Monmouth county prosecutor’s office and Institutional Abuse as in all cases investigators may contact parents if they suspect if their children may have been involved either directly or as a witness. I know that you likely have mixed emotions or have questions I want to reassure you that our schools have support in place to promote a safe and secure learning environment.

Again, we are taking this manner very seriously and will continue to maintain regular contact with eh school to provide support and answers to other questions that may arise going forward I realize it may take some time but I will do everything in my power to help restore faith in our schools and most importantly make sure the children feel secure and comfortable when under our watch.

Respectfully,

Michael Salvatore
Superintendent

Senator responds to incident

Monmouth County Senator Jennifer Beck said authorities are taking the matter seriously, but the situation is parents' worse nightmare.

“Parents send their children to school with the peace of mind that it is a place of safety and security. All of the employees of a school are entrusted with lives of our children, from the principal to the janitors. The parties involved must be held accountable and the investigation needs to be expedient and thorough. While the maintenance workers claim it was a harmless prank, in today’s day an age this type of behavior is dangerous and simply unacceptable.

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