Brockton High School choral Director Faces Sex Trafficking Charges
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Brockton, MA – Matthew Cunningham, 35, the choral director at Brockton High School, was arraigned Tuesday, August 19, 2025, on charges of sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude. The allegations center around interactions with a 17-year-old student,prompting an immediate investigation and administrative action from Brockton Public Schools.
Details of the Allegations
According to Assistant District Attorney Jason Blanchette, Cunningham allegedly initiated contact with the victim through Grindr, a dating submission geared toward the LGBTQ+ community, inquiring about engaging in sexual acts for monetary compensation. The prosecution alleges that Cunningham later transported the victim to his residence and engaged in the alleged activity, providing payment afterward.
Defense attorney Brendan Kelly stated that Cunningham was unaware of the victim’s age or student status at Brockton High School. Though, Grindr’s community guidelines explicitly state the platform is intended for legal adults (Grindr Community Guidelines).
The incident reportedly occurred on April 27, 2025. Following the encounter, the victim recognized Cunningham as his school’s choral director, leading to discomfort and ultimately, the investigation.
Did You Know? Massachusetts law defines sex trafficking as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act in which the trafficker benefits financially or through other forms of exploitation.
Investigation and Arrest
the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office reported that the investigation spanned several months,involving the Massachusetts State police and Brockton Police. The case was initially flagged by administrators of the application used for interaction, who alerted the FBI after detecting a financial transaction between an adult and a minor.
Cunningham was arrested at his Brockton home on August 19, 2025, by members of the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Section High risk Victim Squad and Brockton police. Authorities intend to conduct a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone as part of the ongoing investigation.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During his arraignment in Brockton District court, Cunningham pleaded not guilty to the charges.Judge Michelle Fentriss set bail at $25,000 with stringent conditions. Shoudl he post bail, Cunningham is subject to home confinement with GPS monitoring, a complete ban on contact with the victim, exclusion from Brockton High school, restrictions on social media use, surrender of his passport, and a requirement to remain within Massachusetts.
The prosecution had requested $50,000 cash bail with similar conditions.
Key Details at a Glance
| Date of incident | Date of Arrest | Bail Amount | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 27, 2025 | August 19, 2025 | $25,000 | Sexual conduct for a Fee, Trafficking of a Person for Sexual Servitude |
School response and Cunningham’s Background
Brockton Public Schools swiftly placed Cunningham on paid administrative leave upon learning of the charges. The district released a statement expressing deep concern and prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students.Resources are being mobilized to support the brockton High School community.
Cunningham, a Brockton High school graduate himself, has served as the school’s choral director since 2013. Prior to this role, he taught elementary music in holbrook Public Schools from 2012 to 2013. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College (2012) and a master’s degree in music and music education from Florida state University (2019).
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know needs help, the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888 or online at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
What steps can schools take to proactively prevent similar situations? How can communities better support victims of sex trafficking?
The issue of educator misconduct and the vulnerability of students are ongoing concerns nationwide.This case highlights the importance of robust background checks, comprehensive training for school staff on recognizing and reporting potential abuse, and open communication channels for students to report concerns safely. The use of social media and dating apps by minors also presents notable risks, requiring ongoing education for both students and parents about online safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the charges against Matthew Cunningham? He is charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude.
- What is Brockton Public Schools doing in response? The district has placed Cunningham on paid administrative leave and is providing support to the school community.
- What is the status of the investigation? The investigation is ongoing, including a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone.
- What are the bail conditions for Matthew Cunningham? He is subject to home confinement, GPS monitoring, and restrictions on contact with the victim and brockton High School.
- Where can I find help if I suspect human trafficking? The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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