8-26-2024 9:34pm

High School Paraprofessional Charged with Soliciting Nude Photos from Student

Donnella Tilery Editor

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a 42-year-old Lumberton man who works as a paraprofessional at Seneca High School in Tabernacle has been charged with using social media to have sexual conversations with a student.

During the exchange, Michael Van Kline convinced the student to send him nude photos, and suggested the two meet to have sex.

He was taken into custody yesterday and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Third Degree). He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly and released today following a first appearance in Superior Court. The case will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury for possible indictment.

The investigation began after authorities received information that Van Kline may have been inappropriately communicating with a student electronically. Further information is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.

Officials from the Lenape Regional High School District, which includes Seneca, indicated Van Kline will not be permitted on school grounds or at school functions going forward.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by this defendant is asked to contact investigators at tips@co.burlington.nj.us.

The investigation was conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police. The lead investigators for the Prosecutor’s Office were Detective Michele Ragone and Detective Tiffany Lenart.

Van Kline will be prosecuted by the BCPO Special Victims Unit.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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