By Steve Gunn
EAGnews.org

RENNEMEAD, N.J. – A “permissive culture” at a New Jersey high school has led to criminal charges against three teachers for allegedly having sexual encounters with students, and against two school administrators who allegedly knew about the relationships and failed to alert authorities.

The five educators have been placed on administrative leave from Triton Regional High School in Rennemead, New Jersey, pending the outcome of their cases, according to a report published by the Los Angeles Times.

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“It’s obvious there existed a culture at Triton High School whereby teachers thought they could get away with improper relationships with their students and administrators turned a blind eye,” Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk was quoted as saying.

“The improper relationships between the teachers and students were fostered through social media as well as socializing in person outside the school. Indeed we uncovered evidence of sexually explicit text messages during instructional periods.”

Math teacher Dan Michielli allegedly had intercourse with an underage student multiple times during the 2011-12 school year. He’s charged with official misconduct, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal sexual conduct.

Gym teacher Nick Martinelli allegedly touched and kissed an 18-year-old while she was a student and engaged in intercourse after she graduated in June. He is charged with official misconduct.

Math teacher Jeff Logandro allegedly had sexual contact with an underage student. The number of incidents was not specified. He is charged with official misconduct, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

Prosecutors have also filed criminal charges against the principal and assistant principal of the high school, claiming they knew about the sexual activities and failed to intercede or alert authorities.

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Principal Catherine DePaul and Assistant Principal Jernee Kollock are each charged with official misconduct.

According to the news report, a female student approached a substitute teacher last April, giving her specific information about teachers engaging in sexual relationships with students. The substitute teacher shared the information with DePaul, who allegedly failed to notify authorities.

Kollock allegedly knew about the allegations and also failed to take proper action.

Investigators claim that DePaul made a statement to police, admitting she “tried to protect the teachers from the consequences of their actions,” the news report said.