Thomas R. Carraher, a 26-year-old teacher and sports coach from Howell Township, has been arrested on multiple charges related to online solicitation and sending sexually explicit media. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced these charges on Friday.
Carraher faces charges including Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Attempted Promotion of Obscene Material to a Minor, and Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact. These charges follow an investigation by the MCPO Internet Crimes Unit, which found that Carraher used a social media app to solicit a sexual act for cash and sent explicit media to a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
Carraher was employed as a teacher at Mahala F. Atchison Elementary School in Tinton Falls and also worked as a basketball coach at Shrewsbury Borough School. There is currently no evidence linking these charges to any student or student-athlete at either institution.
He was arrested without incident and is currently held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending future court proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court. The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Competello, with Carraher being represented by attorney Emeka Nkwuo, Esq.
Investigators are seeking additional information regarding Carraher’s activities. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact MCPO Detective Anthony Lacher at 800-533-7443. The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect minors from online exploitation.