Central Regional Teacher arrested for performing indecent act

A math teacher at Central Regional High School has been arrested for allegedly performing an "indecent act" in front of a student while on school grounds.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced the arrest of Joshua Eckersley, 33, of Berkeley Township Thursday who is also charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2) and Lewdness in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4a.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit found that on Sunday, January 12, 2020, Eckersley, a teacher in the Central Regional School District, performed an "indecent act" in the presence of a minor student while they were both on school property.

The investigation was initiated after the minor victim disclosed the incident to authorities.

Eckersley surrendered alongside his attorney on Thursday before he was processed and released pending a future court date.

“I’d like to commend the Central Regional Board of Education and Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides, Superintendent, for their patience and cooperation in our criminal investigation of Mr. Eckersley,” Prosecutor Billhimer said.

Further investigative information on the indecent act was not identified by the Prosecutors Office.

Dr. Parlapanides did release a statement of his own to WOBM News.

"When the district was notified of the incident Mr. Eckersley was immediately suspended and the proper authorities were notified," Dr. Parlapanides told WOBM News. "I commend Prosecutor Billhimer and Lt. Lynch for being accessible and for a doing a profession, thorough and efficient investigation. Mr. Eckersley is suspended with pay currently and will be discussed in our closed session at our February 20, 2020 meeting now that we have all the information and can make an informed decision."

More Jersey Shore News: