By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Burlington County that a Riverside High School teacher’s aide has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a male student.
Officials said Michelle Jacoby, 27, of Riverside, was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault (First Degree) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree).
She was taken into custody last night and released today following an appearance in Superior Court.
The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.
The investigation began yesterday after the BCPO Special Victims Unit received information that the student had disclosed the relationship to a teacher.
The investigation revealed that the relationship, which has since ended, involved multiple encounters over a two-year period beginning when the student was a freshman.
Nearly of all them occurred in Jacoby’s home.
The age of the student and other details are being withheld in an attempt to protect his identity.
Riverside Superintendent Michael Adams said that Jacoby, who also serves as the Riverside High School marching band director, has been suspended.
“The safety of our students and staff is absolutely paramount,” Adams said in a statement to the school community.
“Therefore, I want to assure you that based on the information shared with me regarding this specific allegation from a few years ago, there is no current safety concern for our staff or students.
The School District will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities regarding this situation and will continue to provide the appropriate support/training for our staff and students.”
The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Delanco Township Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Det. Nick Schieber and DTPD Officer Adam Lipiec.
Jacoby is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the Special Victims Unit. All persons are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.