Prosecutors Allege Prolific Abuse by Special Education Teacher Accused of Touching Students in Classroom

Vincent Root, 59, was already charged with allegedly sexually touching seven students when he was charged with touching seven more, the prosecutor announced

A New Jersey special education teacher is facing criminal charges after being accused of sexually touching 14 students.

In October 2023, Vincent Root, 59, of Philadelphia, was charged with sexually touching seven children while they were enrolled at Chatsworth Elementary School, where Root was a teacher, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said in a statement.

Root has now been charged with sexually touching an additional seven students, Bradshaw said.

A Burlington County grand jury returned a 28-count indictment against Root, charging him with 14 counts of second-degree sexual assault and 14 counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, Bradshaw said.

Root pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week.

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He is currently free on bond as he awaits his trial.

Authorities began investigating in Sept. 2023 when a student came forward and accused Root of touching him inappropriately during previous school years, Bradshaw said in the statement.

The alleged victims, who are all male, were touched in classrooms inside the school building, authorities claim.

The investigation further revealed that the abuse occurred over a multi-year period, Bradshaw alleged.

The names and ages of the alleged victims, along with specific information of their enrollment dates, are being withheld in an attempt to protect their identities, Bradshaw said.

Anyone who believes they were victimized by this defendant is asked to send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us, or call 609-265-5035 and ask to speak to a detective in the Special Victims Unit.

Root's attorney could not be reached for comment.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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