By: Yuritza Arroyo
Authorities in Somerset County announced that on March 17, Matthew Rennie, age 29, Ringoes, a former teacher, and coach, was sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison for sexually assaulting a student.
According to officials, Rennie was arrested on October 6, 2021, after a 17-year-old female victim reported to Franklin Township Police that she was sexually assaulted by teacher/coach Matthew Rennie, employed at a private educational institution in Franklin Township, Somerset County.
Officials say the victim was interviewed by detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and Franklin Township Police Department.
As a result of this investigation, the victim disclosed incidents that occurred in Montgomery Township and East Amwell Township (Hunterdon County) from July 2021 to September 2021.
According to the investigation, it was also determined that Ranait Griff, age 30, South Orange, a female teacher/coach at the same school, was aware of the sexual relationship.
Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department arrested Griff without incident at the Franklin Township Police Department.
According to authorities, Rennie was indicted for 2nd-degree Sexual Assault and 3rd-degree Endangering Child Welfare. Griff was indicted for 4th-degree Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse.
Authorities say Rennie entered a guilty plea to the charges on May 6, 2022, and was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending an evaluation.
After a hearing on the results of that evaluation was held, the defendant was scheduled for sentence.
Officials say on March 17, defendant Rennie was sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison. He is subject to the registration and reporting requirement of Megan’s Law and the conditions of Parole Supervision for Life.
Rennie is prohibited from teaching or coaching anyone under the age of 18 and must continue psychotherapy.
Rennie shall also provide truthful testimony against defendant Griff who is scheduled for trial in May.