Ex-teacher pleads guilty to criminal sexual contact

Shawn Feeney

EAST BRUNSWICK - Former East Brunswick High School English teacher Shawn Feeney has pleaded guilty to charges of having sexual relations with two teenage girls who were students of his at the time.

The 31-year-old Highland Park resident had "inappropriate relations" with two females, ages 16 and 17, over the course of two consecutive school years, authorities said. After pleading guilty April 18 to two counts of criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree and one count of second-degree official misconduct, Feeney faces up to four years in state prison, said Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Linda Estremera.

His sentencing is scheduled for June 7 before state Superior Court Judge Jane Cantor.

Feeney will surrender his teaching certification as part of his plea agreement, Estremera said.

According to the prosecutor's office, Feeney was involved with the first student between September 2002 and June 2003, when he engaged in various acts of misconduct and/or attempted sexual assault or contact. Between September 2003 and June 2004, Feeney engaged in various acts of misconduct and/or sexual assault and criminal sexual contact with the other student, authorities said.

No details were provided regarding the nature of the allegations. Officials said that with both students, the misconduct occurred both at the high school and at Feeney's residence, which at the time was in New Brunswick.

One of the victims contacted East Brunswick school officials regarding the allegations, and the school district contacted the police. Feeney, who began teaching at East Brunswick High School in September 2000 and also served as the school's newspaper adviser, was suspended from his teaching position on Dec. 15. He was arrested two weeks later, on Dec. 28.

As a result of his crimes, Feeney will have to register under Megan's Law, Estremera said.