By: Richard L. Smith
Burlington officials are reporting that a 42-year-old Lumberton man who works as a paraprofessional at Seneca High School in Tabernacle has been charged with using social media to have explicit conversations with a student.
County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said during the exchange, Mr. Michael Van Kline convinced the student to send him nude photos, and suggested the two meet to have sex.
The investigation began after authorities received information that Van Kline may have been inappropriately communicating with a student electronically.
Prosecutor Bradshaw said a further information is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.
Officials from the Lenape Regional High School District, which includes Seneca, indicated Van Kline will not be permitted on school grounds or at school functions going forward.
He was taken into custody yesterday and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Third Degree).
He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly and released today following a first appearance in Superior Court.
The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by this defendant is asked to contact investigators at tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
Van Kline will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.