A 42-year-old Lumberton resident and paraprofessional at Seneca High School in Tabernacle has been charged with using social media to have sexual conversations with a student, according to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw.
Michael Van Kline allegedly convinced the student to send him nude photos and suggested the two meet to have sex, according to the prosecutor. He was taken into custody on Aug. 22 and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was released from the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly the following day after a first appearance in Superior Court.
The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment. The investigation began after authorities received information that Van Kline may have been inappropriately communicating with a student electronically. Further information is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.
Officials from the Lenape Regional High School District, which includes Seneca, indicated Van Kline will not be permitted on school grounds or at school functions going forward. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by the defendant is asked to contact investigators at tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
