RED BANK – An English teacher at Red Bank Regional High School has been arrested and criminally charged with having a long-term sexual relationship with a former student, starting when she was enrolled at the school, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced in a statement Nov. 14.
Michael F. Canning, 41, of Long Branch, is charged with second-degree Sexual Assault, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact.
An investigation involving members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau and the Red Bank Police Department revealed that the alleged criminal conduct by Canning began in 2015, when the victim was a junior, and extended into 2019. On numerous occasions during that time, Canning allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim at various locations in Red Bank, Little Silver and Shrewsbury.
Canning was arrested without incident in Oceanport Saturday and transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where he remains incarcerated pending a first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
“We’re obviously very concerned and also very, very upset that this happened and we’re doing all we need to do to support the investigation to make sure that a thorough inquiry is done,” Louis Moore, Ph.D, superintendent of Red Bank Regional High School, told The Two River Times. In a statement Moore shared with parents and staff, he said Canning has been “suspended with pay” but noted that status “will change if he is indicted.”
According to Moore’s statement, he was advised by local law enforcement Nov. 13 that a Red Bank Regional teacher was charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. “At this time, we do not know the details surrounding this matter as it is being handled by law enforcement. The employee has been placed on administrative leave and has no access to district resources. The district will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement,” the statement read.
Moore said that because this is a legal and personnel matter, no further details can be provided at this time. “Please understand that we have taken every step to protect your children, our students, and our staff.”
He also noted that counselors are available to students and families if they require one.
“We will do our best to keep the RBR community informed as to any new information that becomes available,” he said.
The case remains under joint investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and Red Bank Police Department. Anyone with information about Canning’s activities should contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800- 533-7443 or Red Bank Police Department Detective Paul Perez at 732-530-2700.
This case is being prosecuted by the Danielle Zanzuccki, assistant prosecutor. Canning is being represented by Kristin S. Pallonetti, Esq., in Red Bank.
“These allegations constitute an egregious betrayal of the immense degree of faith we place upon teachers to always act in the best interests of the young minds they are entrusted to develop and educate,” Santiago said. “The charges filed this weekend are emblematic of our firm commitment to ensure that such conduct is never tolerated, and always met with swift action.”
Anyone who prefers to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling the confidential telephone tip-line at 800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app, available for iOS and Android at p3tips.com/1182; by calling 800-671-4400; or by visiting monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
The article originally appeared in the November 17 – 23, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
