SOMERVILLE, N.J. – A former Franklin Township teacher received a slap on the wrist in the form of probation for engaging in a sexual relationship with a juvenile female student.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald and Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor announce that on June 22, Ranait Griff, a former teacher and coach was sentenced to probation and is prohibited from teaching or coach anyone under the age of eighteen years old.
Defendant Rennie was arrested on October 6, 2021, after a 17 year-old female victim reported to Franklin Township Police that she was sexually assaulted by teacher/coach Matthew Rennie, who is employed at a private educational institution in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey.
The victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and Franklin Township Police Department. As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents that occurred in Montgomery Township and East Amwell Township (Hunterdon County) from July 2021 to September 2021. As a result of this investigation, it was also determined that Ranait Griff, a female teacher/coach at the same school was aware of the sexual relationship.
Griff was arrested by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department without incident at the Franklin Township Police Department. Defendant Rennie was indicted for 2nd degree Sexual Assault and 3rd degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Defendant Griff was indicted for 4th degree Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse. Defendant Rennie entered a guilty plea to the charges on May 6, 2022, and was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending an Avenel Evaluation. After a hearing on the results of that evaluation was held, the defendant was scheduled for sentence.
On March 17, 2023, Rennie was sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison. He is subject to the registration and reporting requirement of Megan’s Law and the conditions of Parole Supervision for Life. Defendant Rennie is prohibited from teaching or coaching anyone under the age of 18 and must continue psychotherapy.
Griff entered a guilty plea to an amended disorderly persons charge of Failure to Report Child Abuse on May 10, 2023. On June 22, 2023, defendant Griff was sentenced to one year of probation. Defendant Griff is prohibited from teaching or coaching anyone under the age of 18 which continues after her term of probation has been completed.