Teacher Sends Ex-Student Inappropriate Texts: Police

Police have accused an area high school math teacher with harassing a recent female graduate with text messages and sending flirtatious Facebook messages to another recent grad.

Police say Timber Creek High School teacher David Clune, 34, of Gloucester Township sent 33 flirtatious and inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old girl's cellphone between July Fourth and July 8 seeking to meet her.

Police say they did not meet and did not have contact when the girl went to Erial, N.J. school.

"I am thankful the victim involved in this incident was comfortable in speaking with a school staff member about the messages received from a fellow teacher and that this teacher immediately contacted a school district supervisor," said Gloucester Township Police Chief Harry Earle.

Police charged Clune with harassment. He could be sentenced to up to six months in prison and fines if convicted.

Police say the teacher also sent flirtatious private Facebook messages to a recent 18-year-old female graduate over three days. She declined to prosecute.

In a letter posted to the Black Horse Pike Regional School District website, Superintendent Brian Repici said that Clune was suspended by the school and ordered to stay off school grounds.

"We take an aggressive stance against any employee who makes inappropriate contact with a student and this action has resulted as part of those efforts," said Repici. "...We will continue to pro-actively work to educate our staff and students about appropriate behaviors relative to social media contact and interactions with students."

Earle echoed knowing about potential dangers of social media.

"This incident should serve as a reminder that parents should speak with their children about their use of social media messaging and reassure them that reporting inappropriate messages is of great importance," said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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