Jersey City teacher arrested for sexual misconduct

Steven Gordon, a former teacher at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, has been charged with criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

Incident at University Charter Academy High School

On May 29, during school hours, Steven Gordon, a 67-year-old teacher at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a student.

This incident resulted in a criminal investigation and subsequent arrest by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit.

Background of accused teacher Steven Gordon

Steven Gordon taught physical education and health to freshmen and had a long teaching career before joining University Academy Charter High School.

According to his biography posted on the school's website, he retired after 33 years of teaching various subjects and held five teaching certificates.

Gordon was passionate about influencing young minds and described his health class as a self-paced, college-style learning experience.

Gordon arrested and charged with sexual misconduct

Gordon was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office in Secaucus and charged with criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

Following the investigation, he resigned from his teaching position. Gordon's first court appearance is tentatively scheduled for July 5.

Series of arrests in New Jersey: educators face charges

There have been several other arrests recently in New Jersey, with educators facing various charges.

Vincent Root arrested for sexual assault

In October 2023, Vincent Root, a special education teacher from Philadelphia, was arrested for sexual assault and child endangerment.

Root was accused of molesting boys at Chatsworth Elementary School in Woodland for several years. In May 2024, he was indicted for the assault of 14 male students.

Michael Hamilton arrested for producing child pornography

Michael Hamilton, a band, orchestra and jazz band director from Springfield, was arrested on October 13, 2023, for producing and possessing child pornography.

Hamilton allegedly shared hundreds of sexually explicit videos, photos and messages with an underage victim from February to July 2023.

Andrew Fantasia charged in October 2023

Andrew Fantasia, a middle school teacher in Jackson Township, was charged in October 2023 with aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

The offenses took place on school grounds between February and June 2023.

Frieza Yassa of Jersey City arrested in October 2023

Frieza Yassa, a substitute teacher from Jersey City, was arrested in October 2023 for sex crimes involving two students.

He was facing charges of sexual assault by contact and child endangerment.

Jeffrey and Steven Grossman arrested in October 2023

In October 2023, Jeffrey Grossman, a teacher and Tenafly board president, and his son Steven Grossman were arrested for possession of child pornography.

More than 1,000 files were viewed or downloaded, leading to their arrest and subsequent dismissal from their respective posts.

Matthew Swajkowski arrested for misconduct at chess club

Matthew Swajkowski, a science teacher and Verona chess club advisor, was arrested in September 2023 for engaging in sexual activity with an underage chess club student. He was charged with sexual assault and child endangerment.

Michelle Jacoby charged with assault

Michelle Jacoby, a Burlington County teacher's aide, was arrested in May 2023 for sexually assaulting a high school student over a two-year period.

Kyle Banner arrested for social media misconduct

Kyle Banner, a middle school teacher from Toms River, was arrested in May 2023 for posting sexually explicit content on social media and asking his students to view it.

Julius Coaccioli accused of child pornography

Julius Coaccioli, a Middlesex County middle school teacher, was charged in August 2023 with possession of child pornography.

Joseph DePuglio's Decades-Old Allegations

Joseph DePuglio, a retired Mercer County high school teacher, was arrested in March 2023 for a sexual relationship with a student that occurred more than two decades ago.

Jonathan C. Howell charged with aggravated sexual assault

In January 2023, Jonathan C. Howell, a former beach lifeguard and high school teacher, was charged with aggravated sexual assault and child endangerment.

Favio Martell arrested in September 2023

Favio Martell, a Garfield teacher's aide and football coach, was arrested in September 2023 for texting a 14-year-old student.

Eric Schau arrested in March 2023

Eric Schau, a Hoboken teacher, was arrested in March 2023 for having a sexually explicit conversation online with a 14-year-old girl.

Report any suspected sex crimes

If you have information or need to report a sex crime, please contact the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 201-915-1234. Your appeal can help protect others and ensure justice is served.