A 48-year-old middle school teacher who was suspended without pay after sending sexually explicit photos of himself to a student pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to Ocean County prosecutors.
Kyle Banner, 48, a former teacher at both Toms River Intermediate North and Ocean County College, must register as a sex offender.
In May, students at Toms River Intermediate North found sexually explicit photos on Banner's public X account (formerly known as Twitter). Prosecutors say an investigation revealed that the photos were taken in his classroom at Toms River Intermediate North.
During the investigation, authorities say they discovered Banner sent an inappropriate photo of himself to a student in October last year. Officials say it was also discovered that Banner sent inappropriate photos of himself to a student on Snapchat between October and December 2022. Numerous images of Banner engaging in sexual conduct with himself in the classroom were recovered. He was suspended from his teaching position without pay back in April.
Banner turned himself in to Toms River police on May 23. He was transported to Ocean County Jail, and later released due to the New Jersey Bail Reform.
Authorities are looking to send Banner to prison for three years. Prosecutors say the state is seeking the forfeiture of his teaching license as well as any future employment. Banner will also be subject to parole supervision for life.