Middletown North girls basketball coach charged with engaging in a sexual relationship with a student

Scott Stump|January 29, 2025|Last Updated January 31, 2025

FREEHOLD – The head girls basketball coach at Middletown North, who is also an assistant on the football staff, was arrested on Jan. 28 and criminally charged for engaging in a sexual relationship with a student at Middletown North, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.

Justin McGhee, 35, who is also a physical education teacher at Middletown North, has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to a news release by the prosecutor’s office.

An investigation by the prosecutor’s office and the Middletown Police Department found that the criminal conduct began in late 2024 with a student who is under the age of 18, the prosecutor’s office said.

McGhee was taken to Monmouth County Correction Institution on Tuesday pending proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court. He has been placed on administrative leave by Middletown North, per the prosecutor’s office.

Middletown North’s girls basketball team had a game on Tuesday afternoon, the same day McGhee was arrested. The Lions (11-8) beat Keyport 71-14 in a Class B Coastal game. It’s unclear who served as the team’s head coach in place of McGhee, who has been the head coach for at least four seasons.

“The District is aware of the allegations against one of our staff members,” Middletown Superintendent Jessica L. Alfone said in a statement to The Asbury Park Press. “Upon learning of these allegations, we placed the employee on administrative leave. As this is a police matter, we cannot provide further comments. However, we will continue to support our students as needed and work closely with law enforcement throughout this process.”

Shore Sports Insider reached out to McGhee’s attorney, James J. Uliano, but did not receive an immediate response.

Anyone with information about McGhee’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective David Sidorakis at 800-533-7443 or Middletown Township Police Department Detective Ricardo Cruz at 732-615-2120.