NJ high school chemistry teacher charged in student sex assault

A chemistry teacher at a high school in Somerdale, New Jersey has been charged with sexually assaulting a student.

On Wednesday, law enforcement officials in Camden County announced the arrest of Jason D. Howe, 26, of Runnemede, New Jersey, on charged of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child after receiving claims that he had a sexual relationship with a student.

Following an investigation into those claims, officials said, Howe is believed to have engaged in sex with a female student at his home in March.

He was arrested on April 3, 2026, and was being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility as he awaits a detention hearing scheduled for next week, officials said.

According to police, Howe was employed as a chemistry teacher for Sterling High School, where he also coached cross country and boys basketball as well as served as an assistant coach for girls spring track.

He has since been suspended from the school and banned from school property, police said.

The school did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Howe’s arrest.

Anyone with more information in this case, or anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Howe is asked to contact Detective Todd Jarrell of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 856-225-8479 and Detective Michael Waters of the Runnemede Police Department at (856) 939-0330. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.