Vincent Root, a 58-year-old special education teacher at Chatsworth Elementary School, has been charged with sexually touching seven male students over multiple years. Root was arrested yesterday and faces seven counts each of Second Degree Sexual Assault and Second Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. He is currently being held in Burlington County Jail, pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
The arrest followed an investigation initiated last month when a student accused Root of inappropriate touching during previous school years. According to the authorities, the alleged abuse took place in classrooms within the school building. All the victims are male, and the investigation revealed that the abuse occurred over a span of several years. For the sake of victim confidentiality, further details, including names and ages, are being withheld.
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw stated that the case would be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment. “This is a deeply troubling case that has shocked the community,” Bradshaw said.
In a response to the charges, Chatsworth Elementary School officials have placed Root on administrative leave and banned him from school property. The school district is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.