Safety Remains Priority During Sexual Assault Probe

Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried assured district parents that the safety and well-being of the children remains the district's highest priority as the Morris County Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation into allegations that Jason Fennes, a former teacher, sexually assaulted students.

Fried sent a letter to parents on Tuesday encouraging them to come forward with any concerns and offering the district's guidance counselors to students for support.

"I understand that our families may have concerns that go on for a very long time. Please know we are very committed to the well-being of our children and families. If there is anything I can do to assist you, now or in the future, please do not hesitate to ask," Fried said.

Fennes was arrested on March 5 and charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child after a girl who was in his class in 2005 alleged he sexually abused her.

On Friday, Fennes was arrested a second time after another victim came forward and said an incident allegedly occurred during the 2006-07 school year. Fennes was charged on Friday with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility on $300,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

Capt. Jeff Paul, a spokesman for Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi, said Wednesday the investigation is ongoing. According to the Daily Record, Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez also said the investigation is ongoing and she told a judge she would not be surprised if more charges were filed.

Fennes' attorney, Julian Wilsey, did not respond to several calls for comment. Dr. Stephanie Adams, who was principal at the time when Fennes was a teacher, also did not respond to several calls for comment.

Fennes worked in the Montville school district from 1998 to June 2010. The Montville Township Public Board of Education said Fennes was reprimanded in 2009 and suspended in 2010 for alleged improper conduct with students, although the allegations did not include sexual contact.

In Fried's letter, he noted contacts for parents to reach out to should they have concern. Fran Schlenoff, the district's director of guidance can be reached at at 973-331-7100, ext. 2646.

Fried also said that Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi has asked anyone with information about Fennes to contact the sex crimes unit at 973-285-6200, Montville Township Police at 973-257-4300, or the Morris County CrimeStopper Program at 973-COP-CALL.