Authorities claim Laura Caron abused the victim from ages 11 to 15
Warning: This article contains details about sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting.
A teacher in New Jersey has been charged with aggravated sexual assault and related offenses following allegations of years-long abuse of a former student.
Laura Caron, aged 34, is facing serious charges, including first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced Caron’s arrest on January 15 in a social media post, stating that she had been taken into custody without incident.
The statement read: “The charges stem from an investigation revealing that between 2016 and 2020, Ms Caron engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, born in 2005, who had been residing in her home during that time.”
Investigators allege Caron began the abusive relationship with the student when he was just 11 years old. The abuse reportedly continued until he was 15, with claims that it started while she was teaching him and his sibling in fifth grade.
The teacher allegedly abused the victim for years
Cape May County Correctional Center
According to reports, Caron became pregnant with the victim’s child when he was only 13 years old. At the time, Caron, then 28, allegedly allowed the boy to live in her home.
Investigators say the victim’s father raised suspicions in December 2023 after noting physical similarities between his son and Caron’s now 5-year-old child, born in 2019.
Court documents detail how Caron became close to the victim’s family, leading the children to stay frequently at her home before eventually moving in full-time, as noted by ABC News.
Authorities allege she had a child with the victim
Cape May County Correctional Center
The victim reportedly disclosed the abuse to his sister via text message, claiming he had fathered Caron’s child. He later repeated these allegations to the police during their investigation.
Should Caron be convicted of the sexual assault charge, she faces 10 to 20 years in prison. The additional charges could result in another five to 10 years of imprisonment.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland released a statement regarding the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.
Sutherland stated: “This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of our office and law enforcement partners to protect the children in our community. 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.”
The Middle Township School District confirmed its full cooperation with the investigation. Superintendent David Salvo noted that the district is providing counseling resources for those affected by the news.
He also stated: “When the district was first advised of the allegations, the staff member was immediately placed on and continues to be on paid administrative leave.”
Salvo added: “Additional questions should be directed to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 8am–10pm Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm weekends. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111