A man who used to teach music at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson NJ has had his teaching credentials temporarily suspended while a sexual assault case against him is pending.

In July 2010, 44-year-old Scott Van Hoven was accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student. Authorities believe that Mr. Van Hoven, a former Parsippany resident, had sexual relations with the victim at least four (4) times.

Mr. Van Hoven faces charges for sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct.

Recently, the NJ State Board of Examiners suspended Mr. Van Hoven’s teaching credentials, making him ineligible to teach anywhere in NJ until the case is resolved. The board also indicated that a conviction would result in Mr. Van Hoven being banned from public employment.

At trial, Mr. Van Hoven could be sentenced to between five (5) and ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison. Additionally, under the No Early Release Act (NERA), he would be required to serve at least 85% of the sentence before gaining parole eligibility. Upon release, Mr. Van Houten would be subject to community supervision for life, Megan’s Law registration requirements, and a psychosexual evaluation (also known as an “Avenel evaluation”).

Since posting bail and being released, Mr. Van Hoven has been living in upstate New York

For more information, see the NJ.com article entitled “State Suspends Credentials for Ex-Teacher Accused of Sexually Assaulting 16-Year-Old Girl.”