Teacher John M. Denuto, who's coached sports at 4 Jersey Shore high schools, charged with sex assault on teen

Sayreville Middle School teacher John M. Denuto, who has coached wrestling and football at 15 different New Jersey high schools, including four at the Jersey Shore, and is currently a college head wrestling coach, was arrested Saturday on charges of sexual assault, possession of child pornography and other offenses.

Denuto, 43, a Spotswood resident, was being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center in North Brunswick, according to court records on Sunday.

Denuto is accused of having sexually assaulted a victim between the ages of 13 and 15 on Oct. 1, 2016. He also faces three endangering charges, including the allegation of possession of child pornography, according to records.

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Jail records do not reflect whether Denuto has hired an attorney.

Denuto has been suspended with pay from his teaching job, Sayreville Public Schools Superintendent Richard R. Labbe said. Denuto doesn't currently coach in the district.

“Since the safety and well-being of our students is and has always been our highest priority, we are shocked and deeply troubled by what has occurred and are currently cooperating fully with law enforcement,” Labbe said in a statement.

“As required by state law, Mr. Denuto will be suspended with pay effective immediately pending the outcome of this criminal investigation. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to comment further on this matter so that we do not impede the current criminal investigation or violate the rights of our employee.”

Officials from Union County College, where Denuto is currently the head wrestling coach, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Denuto previously served as the head high school wrestling coach at Sayreville, Spotswood, Arthur L. Johnson Regional, Camden Catholic and Pennsville.

He has been an assistant wrestling coach at South Brunswick, Woodbridge, Raritan, Bishop Ahr (now St. Thomas Aquinas), St. John Vianney and St. Joseph of Montvale high schools, and an assistant football coach at Monroe, Middletown North, Ocean Township, Piscataway, Seton Hall Prep and Sayreville high schools.

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Denuto also previously served as coach with the Old Bridge and Sayreville recreation wrestling programs.

Denuto, who earns $84,295 as a special education teacher, according to Data Universe, also previously had a position at CJA Wrestling Club in East Brunswick.

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Prior to taking over the program at Union County College, Denuto recorded 145 career wins as a high school head wrestling coach. Eighty-four of those victories came at Sayreville from 2005 to 2009.

During the 2007-08 campaign, Denuto led Sayreville to its first Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship and a Central Group IV crown, the school’s first sectional title. That season, the Bombers finished with a 24-3 record, which at the time was a single-season school mark for victories.

Denuto graduated in 1994 from Sayreville High School, where he wrestled for four seasons.

Email: gtufaro@gannett.com

Greg Tufaro is a national award-winning journalist who has covered scholastic and college sports at MyCentralJersey.com for 30 years. For unlimited access to MyCentralJersey.com, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.