News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, the choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested for sex trafficking an underage student, raising significant concerns in the community. Following a months-long investigation initiated by alerts flagged to the FBI, Cunningham was charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. Placed on paid administrative leave, he pleaded not guilty in court, where bail was set at $25,000 with strict release conditions. His case highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding minors in educational settings.
Brockton, Massachusetts – Matthew Cunningham, the 35-year-old choir director of Brockton High School, was arrested on sex trafficking charges involving an underage student. He appeared in court today and was charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. His arrest marks a significant escalation in an ongoing investigation that has raised alarm within the local community.
Cunningham was apprehended at his home on Tuesday morning following months of police investigation spearheaded by Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from Brockton police. Authorities initiated the inquiry after transaction alerts between an adult male and a minor were flagged by app administrators to the FBI. Investigators allege that Cunningham met an underage male on April 27 and subsequently performed a sexual act, compensating the minor through a mobile application.
As a consequence of his arrest, Cunningham was placed on paid administrative leave by Brockton Public Schools. A spokesperson for the schools stated that ensuring the safety and well-being of students is of utmost importance, and efforts are being made to provide support to the school community amid this troubling situation.
During the court arraignment on August 19, 2025, Cunningham pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He was able to secure bail set at $25,000, although the prosecution sought a higher bail of $50,000, citing the seriousness of the allegations. His release comes with strict conditions: he must avoid any contact with the victim, refrain from entering Brockton High School premises, stay away from social media, surrender his passport, and remain within Massachusetts borders.
A forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone is planned as part of the ongoing investigation, which remains active as authorities seek to uncover more details around the case. His next court appearance is slated for September 18, 2025.
Cunningham has been a part of the educational fabric at Brockton High School since 2013, gaining recognition for his work as choir director. In addition to his role at the high school, he is also the president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. His arrest has raised significant concerns among students, parents, and faculty, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the school environment.
Before taking on his position at Brockton High School, Cunningham served as an elementary music teacher in Holbrook Public Schools. He is a graduate of Brockton High School and furthered his education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College and a master’s degree from Florida State University.
The ongoing investigation highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of minors. Communities and authorities are left to grapple with the implications of these allegations as they work to ensure that students remain protected.
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Sex Trafficking
- WCVB
- Google Search: Sex Trafficking in Education
- Enterprise News
- Google Scholar: Educational Institution Responsibility in Student Safety
- WHDH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Misconduct
- Boston Globe
- Google News: Brockton High School Scandal
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