New Jersey elementary school teacher now charged with sexually assaulting multiple students
LONG BRANCH, New Jersey (WABC) -- Authorities say a former elementary school teacher in New Jersey who was charged earlier this month with sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student had many more victims and is now facing charges that could keep him behind bars for life.
Gustavo Barrientos, of Tinton Falls, taught in three elementary schools in the Long Branch School District and at the Red Hawk Charter School.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said there are three sets of charges involving four young girls, ages 9, 10 and 11.
In the initial case, it is alleged that the 53-year-old Barrientos showed a 10-year-old victim pornography and sexually assaulted her in a closet inside the school.
On February 14, Barrientos was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
MORE NEWS: Off-duty FDNY firefighter killed in snowmobile accident at Lake George
Gramiccioni said the alleged attacks began in 2017 and went on for two years. Barrientos previously taught 4th grade but was suspended with pay in September of 2018.
Prosecutors office is afraid there may be more victims, and they're asking for the public's help.
Anyone with any information please contact Detective Todd Coleman of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000 or Detective Sergeant Shawn Murphy of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Special Victim's Bureau at 732-431-7160 ext. 7032.
Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip line at 1-800-671-4400.
ALSO READ | Australian sheep loses 78-pound fleece after years in wild
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a News Tip
