Former performing arts teacher sentenced for child endangerment in ocean county
An empty classroom.

Former performing arts teacher sentenced for child endangerment in Ocean County

by
February 28, 2025

OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. — A former teacher at the Ocean County Performing Arts Academy has been sentenced to Parole Supervision for Life after pleading guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors announced Friday.

Douglas Bollinger, 57, of Neptune City, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Dina M. Vicari, who also ordered him to comply with Megan’s Law and Nicole’s Law, which permanently prohibits him from contacting his victim. Additionally, Bollinger must forfeit any future public employment and his teaching certifications in New Jersey.

Bollinger admitted to engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a student between February 2019 and August 2019 in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park. He was arrested on August 15, 2024, at his home by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and later released under New Jersey Bail Reform policies.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged challenges in proving more serious charges but emphasized that preventing Bollinger from ever supervising students again was crucial. “The victim is cognizant of those issues, and is in support of this resolution,” Billhimer said.

Bollinger’s sentencing ensures he will remain under lifetime supervision and barred from teaching in New Jersey.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

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