An Essex County middle school teacher and high school assistant band director is accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a student beginning when the victim was 13 years old.
A Bloomfield educator has been arrested and charged following allegations that he sexually abused a former student over a period of several years, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced that Daniel Burbank, 37, of Monroe Township, was arrested June 12 in connection with the investigation.
Burbank worked as a teacher and band director at Bloomfield Middle School and also served as an assistant band director at Bloomfield High School.
Alleged abuse began when victim was 13
According to prosecutors, Burbank is accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a student beginning when the victim was 13 years old and attending Bloomfield Middle School.
Authorities allege the conduct continued after the student advanced to Bloomfield High School.
“It is alleged that Burbank began engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct when the victim was 13 years old and a student at Bloomfield Middle School,” the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said. “The alleged conduct continued while the victim attended Bloomfield High School.”
Multiple felony charges filed
Burbank faces a series of criminal charges, including attempted aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, sexual contact, criminal restraint, endangering the welfare of a child, and luring.
Prosecutors have not released additional details regarding the allegations or the circumstances that led to the investigation.
Court records were not immediately available Saturday regarding Burbank’s custody status or any upcoming court appearances.
Authorities seeking additional information
Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432). Authorities said all calls will remain confidential.
As with all criminal defendants, Burbank is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Bloomfield Middle School teacher and band director Daniel Burbank, 37, has been charged with sexual assault and related offenses.
• Prosecutors allege the inappropriate conduct began when the victim was 13 years old and continued through high school.
• Authorities are asking anyone with information about the investigation to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.