BRIDGETON – A teacher supervising a special academic program for Bridgeton middle school students was charged on Thursday with repeatedly sexually assaulting two boys over almost five years, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.

Isaias Garza, 50, of Athens Way in Vineland faces a total of 13 criminal charges and is in Cumberland County Jail pending a detention hearing in county Superior Court. Garza was assigned to the ExCEL program as a lead teacher.

Webb-McRae on Friday said the arrest came after a joint investigation by the office's Special Victims Unit and Bridgeton police. Garza was suspended with pay from work on Sept. 25, according to the school district.

The prosecutor said the charges include multiple counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault as well as one count of second-degree official misconduct and one count of second-degree witness tampering.

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Authorities say that Garza allegedly made multiple attempts to persuade one victim not to speak to police including an offer of money. Garza believed police had not talked to him, yet.

An affidavit of probable cause indicates part of one phone conversation was recorded by one victim and given to police, while police intercepted another conversation with the victim's cooperation. Garza also reportedly was recorded by a security camera visiting the workplace of one of the victims.

Three warrants issued against Garza allege the crimes were committed at a school building on Washington Street housing the ExCEL program in Bridgeton, the residences of the victims, and at Garza's house where at least one boy is reported to often have stayed overnight.

An affidavit cites both victims detailing incidents in various locations and times: "More specifically, (one victim) described multiple incidences where the accused escorted him out of class and forced him to perform acts ... in the accused's office at school, as well as the nurse's office."

Additionally, one victim told investigators that Garza once called him into his office after school had ended and forced him to have sex.

Garza also allegedly showed one boy, while at the teacher's home, pornography and had the boy touch his genitals.

The victims were younger than 13 when the alleged incidents started. The assaults allegedly continued while the victims also were between the ages of 13 and 16. The period of the assaults is believed to between 2004 and 2008.

On Friday, Bridgeton schools Superintendent Thomasina Jones said that the district first learned of an investigation into Garza when the Prosecutor's Office made contact with her office.

"Mr. Garza was suspended by the district from his teaching position and barred from coming onto school district property," Jones said. "He was also informed not to have any written, verbal, or electronic media contact with any of the district's students or staff. And the district immediately began fully cooperating with the office of the prosecutor, and it has and will continue to do so."

The ExCEL Program — standing for Extra Commitment Enhances Learning — is open to middle school students who seek more time in class. Their school day and school year are longer, including going to class on Saturdays for four hours.

Joseph P. Smith; jpsmith_dj; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com