An elementary school teacher, Laura Caron, 34, has been charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old former student and later having a child with him, according to authorities.
The allegations span from 2016 to 2020, during which time the boy and his siblings lived with Caron in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
The case came to light after the teen’s father posted on social media, highlighting the resemblance between his son and Caron’s five-year-old child. This prompted an investigation, leading to Caron’s arrest on Wednesday.
Caron, a fifth-grade teacher at Middle Township Elementary School, reportedly formed a close friendship with the victim’s family.
Initially, the victim and his siblings stayed at Caron’s home one or two nights a week, but eventually began living there permanently. Officials allege the crimes occurred during this period.
Court documents detail that the victim’s sister observed her brother in Caron’s bed in the morning and saw her locking the bathroom door while he was showering. Additionally, the victim’s brother claimed to have witnessed Caron sexually assaulting the boy.
The victim allegedly sent a text message to his sister confessing that he was the father of Caron’s five-year-old child and requested secrecy.
However, communication between Caron and the victim reportedly ceased after his father’s Facebook post in December.
Caron, who gave birth to the child in 2019 at the age of 28, now faces charges of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Middle Township Police Chief Tracey Super reassured the public, stating, “We are taking every step possible to ensure the safety of our children.”
Dr. David Salvo, the Middle Township School District Superintendent, confirmed that Caron has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Middle Township Police Department.
