Riverside Teacher’s Aide Accused of Sexual Relationship With Student
A high school teacher’s aide has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a male student, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and Delanco Township Police Department. Michelle Jacoby, 27, of Riverside, was charged with aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation began after the BCPO Special Victims Unit received information that the student had disclosed the relationship to a teacher. The two-year relationship, which has since ended, involved multiple encounters that primarily took place at Jacoby’s residence. The student’s age and specific details are being withheld to protect his identity.
Jacoby has been suspended from serving as the Riverside High School teacher’s aide and marching band director, said Riverside Superintendent Michael Adams in a statement to the school community. He assured that based on the information received regarding the specific allegation from a few years ago, there is currently no safety concern for the staff or students. The School District will fully cooperate with the authorities regarding the case and will continue to provide appropriate support and training for staff and students.
Following an appearance in Superior Court, Jacoby was taken into custody and later released. The case will next be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment. The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Delanco Township Police Department. Lead investigators in the case are BCPO Det. Nick Schieber and DTPD Officer Adam Lipiec. Jacoby is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, supervisor of the Special Victims Unit.
All persons involved in the case are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Prosecutors are taking this case seriously, and with the possibility of a felony sex offense and a continued investigation by BCPO and DTPD, the full impact of this case is yet to be determined.
