A former New Jersey music instructor at Ocean City High School was arrested on February 27 in Seabrook, Texas and charged with two counts of sexual assault, one count of official misconduct, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of criminal sexual contact.
34-year-old Ricardo Valle is being held in the Harris County Jail pending extradition back to New Jersey.
Valle had, according to notes from an Oceah City Board of Education meeting on June 22, 2016, resigned his position as music teacher effective July 1, 2016. The reason for his resignation was not given, but he had reportedly told the choir students that it was in order to pursue a Master's Degree.
At the time of his arrest, Valle was teaching in Texas according to Captain Mike Emmer of the Cape May Prosecutor's Office.
On his final day teaching in Ocean City High School, one student told investigators that Valley had assaulted her in the choir storage room, known to students as "La Bodega" after class. The area reportedly contained a futon and refrigerator.
The investigation remains ongoing and Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland is asking that anyone with relevant information contact his office at (609) 525-9131.