Teacher charged for ‘flirtatious’ texts to ex-students
A math teacher at Timber Creek High School in Gloucester Township, Camden County, is accused of sending dozens of flirtatious text messages and private Facebook messages to two former students.
David A. Clune, of Chestertown Road, Gloucester Township, a teacher for eight years, is charged with harassment as a result.
Police said the case was brought to light July 8 when they were contacted by Brian Repici, superintendent of the Black Horse Pike Regional School District about information he had regarding "inappropriate social media conduct" by a teacher to two recent female graduates.
An investigation showed that, between July 4 and July 8, Clune sent "flirtatious and inappropriate text messages" to a 17-year-old girl's mobile phone in an attempt to meet her socially. In all, police said Clune sent 33 text messages to her. The girl did not meet with Clune, and there was no reported contact between the two during the previous school year.
In addition, police said, Clune also sent private messages through Facebook to another female graduate, who is 18, in an attempt to meet with her. He sent the young woman 39 private messages, according to the investigation. Nor did he meet with her outside of school activities during the school year. She chose not to sign a complaint against Clune.
Chief of Police Harry Earle said school authorities became aware of the situation when one of the victims spoke with a school staff member about the messages. That teacher contacted a school district supervisor.
Clune was arrested July 10 at his residence. He was charged with harassment and released on a court summons. Harassment charge is a disorderly person's charge and carries a potential jail sentence of up to 6 months if convicted.
Police are asking anyone else who feels they were a victim of inappropriate conduct by Clune to call Gloucester Township Police Department at 856-228-4500.
