Essex County: Millburn Teacher Charged with Child Endangerment Makes Court Appearance – TAPinto.net

MILLBURN, NJ — Monroe Township resident Joseph Pedulla, 57, a Millburn High School teacher who was charged with child endangerment, recently made his first appearance and was officially charged on Friday, June 28.

Essex County Public Information Officer (PIO) Katherine Carter said that Pedulla pled not guilty to the charges against him at the first hearing. Carter also confirmed that Pedulla would be back in court this week for a detention hearing on July 3.

“The hearing on the third is the detention hearing to determine whether or not he will be held till trial, or whether he’ll be released,” said Carter.

Although the initial press release from the county prosecutor stated the investigation was active and ongoing, Carter could not comment on the matter.

According to Carter, the hearing will take place in the chambers of Judge Michael Ravin on the 11th floor, and is scheduled on the docket along with multiple other cases to start at 9 a.m.

Carter also noted that New Jersey no longer uses cash bail after passing a major reform package several years ago. As a result, the hearing on July 3 will be to determine how much of a risk Pedulla poses between the hearing and the trial.

If Pedulla is released before the trial, Carter said that there would most likely be restrictions placed on him, whether it be checking in regularly with the county prosecutor’s office or being restricted from traveling to certain locations.

As always in the United States Justice system, all charges are mere accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until the defendant either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law.