Four Long Branch Students claim to be tied up in bathroom

It was reported to The Link News that four students at the Gregory Elementary School in Long Branch were allegedly bound and gagged with tape in a boys bathroom on Thursday March 1.

Four students at the Gregory School reported an incident that occurred in the boys’ bathroom involving two maintenance employees. After the reports
and the review of our security cameras revealed the possibility that the incident took place, parents were notified, as well as, the proper
authorities. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Long Branch Police Department and Institutional Abuse/DYFS are the conducting an investigation
regarding the allegations.

The investigation is underway, and we will continue to support each party in their fact finding. Regardless of criminality, as the acts are claimed to be without malice and in jest; we have taken abrupt action as a safeguard to the children. Based upon the preliminary investigation from the district, the employees were sent home immediately, suspended with pay and were later summoned to the Long Branch Police Department for testimony.

It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure the safety and well-being of every child. Any allegations involving reprehensible decisions and actions, regardless of intent, are intolerable and will not be accepted by the Long Branch Board of Education. Information pertaining to this incident should be directed to the Long Branch Police Department.

On Friday Michael Salvatore, Superintendent of Schools said that the entire staff at the Gregory School (Prek-5) was informed of the incident by the principal (Elford Rawls-Dill). They were told that if they hear students speaking of incidents similar to this to notify the principal immediately, who will then contact the Long Branch Police Department who is conducting the investigation.

The districts security police does not allow cameras in bathrooms or locker rooms. The cameras only revealed that the students and
staff were in the bathroom at that time.

Long Branch Public Schools cannot release the age, name or grades of the students, however they are students in Prek-5 at the Gregory Elementary School.

As per their attorney, LBPS will not release the names and salaries of the employees in question at this time.

On Thursday Students reported the incident to their teacher at approximately 10:30 am. The teacher revealed the incident to the principal who conducted student
interviews and reviewed the school security cameras. At approximately 12:30pm the principal began to contact the superintendent, parents, LBPD and Institutional Abuse.