Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: Former Teacher Charged with Sexual Assult of Child

A former Long Branch elementary school teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Gustavo Barrientos, 53, of Tinton Falls, was arrested on Sunday and charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child after an investigation revealed that he allegedly showed a 10-year-old female student pornography and sexually assaulted her.

The investigation was the product of a joint investigation by members of the Long Branch Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Bureau.

Barrientos was taken into custody and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold Township pending a detention hearing.

If convicted, he will face up to life imprisonment on the aggravated sexual assault charge and up to 10 years of imprisonment on the endangering the welfare of a child charge. In addition, he would be subject to parole supervision for life and required to register under Megan’s Law.

Investigators are seeking additional information about Barrientos’ activities. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Todd Coleman of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000 or Detective Sergeant Shawn Murphy of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Bureau at 732-431-7160 ext. 7032.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office