VERONA, NJ – A Verona High School teacher was arrested on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, among other offenses, according to an announcement by Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II.
Matthew Swajkowski, 36, was taken into custody on September 22 and has since been placed on administrative leave by the Verona School District. Swajkowski was employed by the district in June 2013 and began his role as a special education science teacher in the 2014-2015 academic year. He has also received additional compensation for roles as an assistant tennis coach and the faculty advisor to the school’s chess club.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO) revealed that the arrest was the result of a joint investigation with the Verona Police Department, initiated in July after the department was notified of sexually inappropriate conduct between Swajkowski and a juvenile. The investigation confirmed that Swajkowski engaged in sexual conduct with the juvenile in Verona. Other charges include sexual conduct with a minor and providing alcohol to a minor.
New Jersey law specifies that while the age of consent is 16, it is illegal for individuals in certain positions of authority over minors aged 16 to 18 to engage in sexual conduct with them.
Verona Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe issued a statement to Verona High School parents addressing the matter. The statement clarified that the district takes such allegations seriously, cooperates fully with law enforcement, and places implicated staff on administrative leave. Counseling services are being offered to both students and staff affected by the situation.
Swajkowski remains in county custody and is scheduled for a hearing on September 27.