Classroom Coverup: Lap-Sitting Horror Unleashed - NJ Teacher's Chilling Shuffle Revealed!

Classroom Coverup: Lap-Sitting Horror Unleashed - NJ Teacher's Chilling Shuffle Revealed!

Brace for a nightmare in New Jersey's classrooms that will have you questioning every teacher hiring decision! We uncover the case of Jason Fennes, a former elementary school teacher from Bloomfield accused in 2010 at Montville Township Public Schools of inappropriate touching and lap-sitting with young girls aged 6-8, behaviors that made them feel uncomfortable and violated during story time or class activities. Multiple female students reported him touching their buttocks, thighs, and private areas under the guise of "helping," hugging them tightly, and isolating them in the classroom, with at least four families raising alarms to administrators. The district placed him on leave and investigated, but the probe concluded without substantiating criminal abuse, citing a lack of "corroborating evidence" beyond the children's statements—a common hurdle in child abuse cases where physical proof is rare. Instead of reporting the suspicions to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) or local police as mandated by New Jersey law for reasonable cause, the district opted for a confidential settlement in June 2010. Fennes resigned under an agreement that severely limited what Montville could disclose to future employers—only basic employment details like dates and title, with no mention of the allegations or investigation. This "hush contract" included a neutral reference letter, effectively erasing the red flags and allowing him to seek new positions without hindrance. Such deals are a hallmark of "passing the trash," designed to avoid defamation lawsuits or negative publicity, often negotiated with input from teachers' unions like the New Jersey Education Association to protect members' careers. This decision wasn't unique; a 2017 NJ.com investigation revealed dozens of similar cases across New Jersey, where districts chose quiet exits over transparency, influenced by fears of costly litigation and reputational harm in suburban communities like Montville, known for strong family ties and high property values tied to school quality. Fennes walked away with his teaching certificate intact, free to apply elsewhere. Just two months later, in August 2010, he was hired at Cedar Hill Prep School, a private K-8 academy in Somerset with about 200 students, known for its small classes and nurturing environment. The school's founder conducted what they called a thorough vetting, but the background check came up spotless—Montville's silence ensured no warnings surfaced. At Cedar Hill, the abuse not only continued but escalated in severity and scope. Over the next three years, he molested at least four young girls in his classroom, repeating and intensifying the patterns from Montville: Lap-sitting during reading sessions, inappropriate touching under desks or during "help" with art projects, and isolating victims by keeping them after class. Court records from his pleas detailed graphic incidents—one victim, a 7-year-old referred to as Child M in legal filings, alleged Fennes sexually assaulted her in February 2011 by touching her genitals under her clothing while she sat on his lap, pretending to read a book. Another girl reported him rubbing her thighs and whispering "you're special," creating a sense of secrecy. But Fennes' crimes extended beyond the classroom; as a basketball coach, he groomed a 15-year-old player with extra practice sessions, flirty messages, and emotional manipulation, building what she later described as a "relationship" that felt coercive. Between 2011 and 2013, he had sex with her multiple times, often in his car or secluded spots. The crimes came to light in 2013 when one Montville victim disclosed to a therapist, triggering investigations leading to his 2016 guilty pleas and 14-year sentence. Victims' stories reveal profound trauma—PTSD, anxiety from "weird touches." Suits like Child M v. Fennes led to Zurich denials, Supreme Court decline in 2020. Inspired 2018 S-414 banning "trash passing." Stats: NJ had 187 educator cases 2010-2017. Ties: Like Ostovich's shuffle (Episode 8). Fallout: Settlements undisclosed, protests. On X, calls for national laws. Watch the horror unfold—subscribe for more! 

Hashtags: #ClassroomCoverup #LapSittingHorror #FennesScandal #NJTeacherAbuse #SchoolShuffle #PredatorPassed #VictimStories #MandatoryReportFail #TrueCrimeNJ #StopTheTrash

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