A New Jersey teacher and band director was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a student starting when they were just 13, officials said Monday.
Daniel Burbank, 37, a teacher and band director at Bloomfield Middle School and an assistant band director at Bloomfield High School, was busted Friday after being accused of carrying out the abusive relationship beginning when the student was in middle school, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s office.
Burbank, a Monroe resident, allegedly continued to abuse the victim when they attended the high school, officials said.
“The Bloomfield School District is aware of an incident involving an employee that has resulted in law enforcement action,” schools Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves wrote in a letter emailed to parents Monday evening.
“This employee has been placed on leave,” Goncalves said. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our absolute highest priority. Counseling staff will be available to support any students or staff in need.
“Because this is currently an active investigation and a confidential personnel matter, the district can make no further comment at this time. We appreciate your understanding.”
Burbank is facing charges of sexual assault, attempted aggravated sexual assault, sexual contact, criminal restraint, endangering the welfare of a child and luring.
Another Bloomfield educator, Leo A. Donaldson, previously pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two male students.
Donaldson, a former high-school teacher and cross-country coach in the district, was sentenced to seven years behind bars in 2018.
Burbank’s lawyer did not return a Post request for comment.
