Middle Twp. High School Teacher Arrested in Student Sex Case

A South Jersey man is facing sexual assault and child pornography charges after he "committed crimes" against a student while he was a teacher at Middle Township High School, authorities said.

Joseph Towns, 34, of North Cape May, turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon, according to a news release from the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office. He was charged with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of child pornography, among other charges.

Authorities say Towns "committed crimes" against a student from October 2012 through October 2013 while he was an English teacher at Middle Township High School.

Towns was released from the Cape May County Correctional Facility after he posted the required $175,000 cash bail.

If convicted on all charges, Towns could face up to 70 years in jail.