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A 42-year-old employee of Seneca High School, located at 110 Carranza Rd, Tabernacle, NJ 08088, has been charged for engaging in sexual conversations with a student over social media, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office announced on Friday, August 23, 2024.
Michael Van Kline, a resident of Lumberton, was arrested on Thursday and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. According to CBS News, Van Kline, who works as a paraprofessional at the school, allegedly convinced a student to send him nude photos and suggested they meet up for sex.
The investigation into Van Kline's conduct was launched after authorities received information about his potential inappropriate communication with a student. During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered the online exchanges between Van Kline and the student.
Following his arrest, Van Kline was remanded to the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly but was released on Friday after a court appearance. The Lenape Regional High School District has also barred Van Kline from being on school grounds or attending school functions in the future.
The case against Van Kline is now being prepared to be presented to a grand jury for a possible indictment. The prosecutor's office is urging any other individuals who may have been victimized by Van Kline to come forward and contact the Burlington County investigators.
In the wake of the disturbing case involving a Seneca High School paraprofessional charged with inappropriate sexual communication with a student, we sat down with experienced child sexual abuse lawyer, Guy D'Andrea, to discuss the legal options available to students and their families. D'Andrea provided valuable guidance on the steps victims can take to seek justice and hold both the perpetrator and the negligent school district responsible for the harm caused.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. This case involving the Seneca High School paraprofessional is certainly very concerning. What rights do students have if they have been sexually abused by a school employee?
Attorney Guy D'Andrea: Students who have been sexually abused by a school staff member have the right to seek justice and hold all responsible parties accountable. This can include filing a civil lawsuit against the individual perpetrator as well as the school district for failing to protect the student.
DM: Can you expand on the school district's potential liability in a case like this?
GD: Schools have a duty to provide a safe environment for their students. When they fail to properly vet, monitor, or take action against employees who engage in sexual misconduct, they can be found negligent. A civil lawsuit can compel the school district to take responsibility and provide compensation for the harm caused to the victim.
DM: What types of damages can victims of teacher sexual abuse seek?
GD: Victims may be able to recover damages for the psychological and emotional trauma they've endured, as well as any medical expenses related to counseling or treatment. There may also be grounds to seek punitive damages if the school's actions were especially egregious in failing to protect the student.
DM: This is clearly a very difficult situation for any student and family to go through. What advice would you give to those impacted by teacher sexual abuse?
GD: My advice would be to not suffer in silence. Seek out experienced legal counsel who can guide you through the process of holding the perpetrator and school accountable. It's important to remember that you are not alone, and that justice and support are available. The most important thing is focusing on the recovery and well-being of the victim.
DM: Thank you for sharing your expertise on this sensitive topic. It's critical that students and families affected by these types of cases know their rights and options for obtaining justice.
GD: You're very welcome. I'm happy to shed light on this issue and provide guidance to anyone seeking to hold abusers and negligent parties responsible.
If you or a loved one have been impacted by teacher sexual abuse or misconduct, it's important to remember that you are not alone. Experienced legal counsel can guide you through the process of holding the perpetrator and school district accountable. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is committed to providing compassionate support and vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of victims. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn about your legal rights and options.
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