New Jersey Teacher Charged with Student Sexual Assault

Jason Howe, a chemistry teacher at Sterling High School, accused of having sexual relationship with a student

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:25pm

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An extreme close-up of a school ID badge or teacher's lanyard, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and textures to convey a sense of the serious, investigative nature of this crime.The harsh flash of a police investigation shines a light on the troubling issue of teacher-student sexual misconduct.Camden Today

A 26-year-old teacher at Sterling High School in New Jersey has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and second-degree welfare of a child after allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student who was at least 16 but less than 18 years old. The teacher, Jason D. Howe, has been suspended from the school and banned from school property.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of teacher-student sexual misconduct, which can have long-lasting impacts on victims and erode public trust in educational institutions. It also raises questions about school policies, background checks, and oversight measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, the investigation revealed that Howe and the student had sex in his Runnemede apartment in March. Howe has been a chemistry teacher at Sterling High School and has also coached several sports teams at the school, including boys' and girls' cross country, freshman boys' basketball, and girls' spring track.

  • The Camden County Prosecutor's Office received a report from police on Friday about the student's allegations.
  • Howe was taken into custody on Friday and transported to the Camden County Correctional Facility, pending a detention hearing next week.

The players

Jason D. Howe

A 26-year-old chemistry teacher at Sterling High School in New Jersey who has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and second-degree welfare of a child for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student.

Camden County Prosecutor's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the allegations against Jason Howe and filed the charges against him.

Sterling High School

The high school in New Jersey where Jason Howe was employed as a teacher and coach before being suspended and banned from the school property.

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What’s next

Howe is scheduled to have a detention hearing next week, where a judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust policies, training, and oversight in schools to prevent and address teacher-student sexual misconduct, which can have devastating impacts on victims and the broader school community.