Coach Justin McGhee Arrested: Sex Assault Charges

George Douglas 24 May 2025

How could a trusted figure, a mentor to young athletes, betray that trust in the most devastating way imaginable? The arrest of Justin McGhee, a girls' basketball coach and teacher at Middletown High School North, on charges of sexual assault against a minor, sends shockwaves through the community and raises troubling questions about safeguarding our children.

The allegations against McGhee paint a disturbing picture of a predatory relationship that began late last year. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago confirmed that McGhee, 35, of Ocean Township, initiated a sexual relationship with a student under the age of 18. The victim, authorities say, was between 16 and 17 years old at the time. McGhees arrest on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, followed an investigation that began in December when Middletown Police first received the disturbing allegations. He now faces charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Justin McGhee Bio & Professional Information
Full Name	Justin McGhee
Age	35
Residence	Ocean Township, New Jersey
Occupation	Teacher and Head Girls' Basketball Coach at Middletown High School North
Additional Role	Speed and Strength Coach at Parisi Speed School (unconfirmed)
Charges	Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Arrest Date	Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Legal Status	Released following a detention hearing on Thursday
Reference	NJ.com (Example, replace with actual news source if available)

The news has left parents reeling, struggling to comprehend how someone entrusted with the well-being of their children could allegedly commit such a heinous act. The impact on the young victim, whose life has been irrevocably altered, is immeasurable. The school community is grappling with the fallout, offering counseling services and support to students and staff as they navigate this difficult time.

McGhee's arrest underscores the crucial need for vigilance and open communication between students, parents, and school officials. Attorney Stewart Ryan, an expert in cases of sexual abuse by school officials, emphasizes the importance of empowering students to come forward if they experience or witness any form of inappropriate behavior. He highlights the legal options available to victims and their families, stressing that they are not alone and deserve justice.

The details surrounding the alleged relationship between McGhee and the student remain under investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information about McGhees activities to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. The investigation is ongoing, and the community waits with bated breath for the legal process to unfold.

Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, McGhee's alleged actions raise broader societal questions about the power dynamics inherent in student-teacher relationships and the importance of comprehensive background checks and ongoing training for school personnel. This case serves as a stark reminder that even in seemingly safe environments, predators can lurk, exploiting vulnerabilities and shattering trust.

The alleged abuse of power by a trusted figure like McGhee leaves an indelible scar on the community. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on supporting the victim, ensuring her safety, and holding the perpetrator accountable for his alleged crimes. The road to healing will be long and arduous, but the community must stand together to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

The information regarding McGhee's additional employment as a speed and strength coach at Parisi Speed School requires further verification. This detail, while present in some initial reports, has not been definitively confirmed by law enforcement or the school. The focus remains squarely on the serious allegations of sexual assault and the pursuit of justice for the victim.

This case is not an isolated incident. Sadly, stories of educators abusing their positions of power emerge far too often. It is imperative that we learn from these tragedies and implement stronger safeguards to protect our children. Open dialogue, comprehensive training, and a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students are essential steps towards preventing future abuse.

The Middletown community is now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding trust and healing. The arrest of Justin McGhee serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist within our schools and the importance of unwavering vigilance in protecting our children. As the legal process unfolds, the community must rally around the victim, offering support and ensuring that justice is served.