Kimberly Pinkham, 38, of Mullica Hill, an employee of the Kingsway School District, was charged by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office with official misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child after a three-month-long investigation assisted by both the Woolwich Township Police Department and the Kingsway Regional School District.
Pinkham, an employee of the district since 2006, was assigned as the media specialist and middle school librarian. She surrendered at the prosecutor’s office on May 10 and was released pending a first appearance in Gloucester County Superior Court on June 20. The allegations against Pinkham were reported to law enforcement by the school district.
According to the charges, Pinkham engaged in sexual conduct, which impaired or debauched the morals of a 14-year-old student. Due to the student being a minor, their identity was Pinkham utilized her position within the school district to form an inappropriate instructor-student relationship where she engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with the student both during school hours and after.
“Kingsway will not tolerate such behavior and will take all necessary and appropriate action to protect our students,” said Lavender in a release to district parents. “We ask that the public please understand that, given this matter involves confidential personnel and student issues and is still an ongoing matter with law enforcement, we are unable to provide further comment or specific details.”
“Students will have varied reactions to such disturbing and unthinkable,” he added. “I encourage you to openly discuss with your child his or her reactions and feelings regarding these allegations. Counseling services will be available for those in need.”
Lavender added the incident is an isolated event involving one student. Pinkham was suspended with pay by the district on Feb. 14. State law requires Kingsway to suspend Pinkham with pay.
