A sixth-grade teacher in the Keansburg school system risks five to 10 years in prison, if convicted of the higher of two child pornography charges filed Thursday by Monmouth County investigators.

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Marc S. Marinoff, 30, was apprehended after a search of his house and seizure of personal electronic devices, according to the office of Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni. Marinoff teaches at Jospeh R. Bolger Middle School.

Keansburg Schools Superintendent John Niesz told WOBM news, via e-mail, that Marinoff  was placed on suspension for the duration of the probe, and that the district is cooperating with detectives.

Niesz's statement follows:

"On March 30, 2017, the Keansburg School District was advised by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office that Marc Marinoff, a 6th grade teacher at the Joseph R. Bolger Middle School in Keansburg, was charged with one count each of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  

Effective March 30, 2017, Superintendent of Schools, John J. Niesz, after consultation with the Board of Education President, suspended Marinoff indefinitely, pending further Board of Education action.  Given the fact that this is a personnel matter, the Board of Education and the administration will be precluded from discussing this matter, at this time, and will permit the Prosecutor’s Office to field all questions concerning the arrest and charges against Marinoff.

The Board of Education, its administrators and staff will work cooperatively with all law enforcement agencies and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office concerning this matter. 

The Keansburg School District is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so during the investigation. If you have any questions about the investigation, please contact the Monmouth County Prosecutors office 132 Jerseyville Avenue, Freehold, NJ 07728 or at 732-431-7160."

Detectives who conducted an initial forensic examination of Marinoff's electronic equipment allege that he used a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to send and receive salacious videos.

Monmouth authorities did not disclose the circumstances that led them to Marinoff,  the volume of images in which he allegedly traded, or whether he is the entire scope of their investigation.

He faces charges of endangerment of the welfare of a child in the second degree, related to distribution, and in the third degree, related to possession.

Conviction on the more severe charge, in addition to incarceration, would also entail registration as a sex offender under Megan's Law, and potential parole supervision for life.The lesser charge involves a possible three-to-five-year sentence.

Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Margaret Koping leads the state's case. Marinoff is represented by attorney Anthony J. Mellaci of Ocean Township.

The County Prosecutor's Office seeks additional information in this investigation. Detective Tiffany Lenart can be reached at 732-431-7160, ext. 5747. Tips can be left anonymously through the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers web page, by texting MONMOUTH and the tip to 274637, or at 1-800-671-4400.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.

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