New charges filed against New Jersey teacher accused of sexually touching female students – NBC10 Philadelphia

A New Jersey special education teacher who has already been charged with sexually touching several elementary school students is now facing charges of assault against seven other students, authorities said.

According to the Burlington County District Attorney’s Office, in September 2023, a student came forward and accused Vincent Root, a 59-year-old former teacher at Chatsworth Elementary School, of touching him inappropriately.

After the investigation began, it emerged that the seven victims – all boys – had been touched by Root in the school’s classrooms over a period of several years, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Root was accused of sexually touching those seven children and was charged with
Criminal offenses. He has now been accused of touching seven more schoolgirls.

A Burlington County grand jury indicted Root on 28 counts, charging him with 14 counts of sexual abuse and 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Root, who was originally charged in October 2023, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week. He is currently at large awaiting trial, according to authorities.

Information about the victims was withheld to protect their identities.

The District Attorney’s Office is asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Root to email [email protected] or call 609-265-5035 and ask to speak to a Special Victims Unit investigator.

Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.