studyhallnotes

BRIDGETON – A judge on Thursday halved bail for a Delsea teacher from Salem County charged with carrying on a months-long sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student.

Daniel L. Harvey Sr., 41, of Pilesgrove Township, was arrested Wednesday night and charged with sexual assault, child endangerment and official misconduct. Harvey was arrested at his parents’ home, where he has been staying while a divorce from his wife is finalized, authorities said.

Before Superior Court Judge Gary Wodlinger reduced bail for Harvey to $175,000 cash or bond Thursday, he was being held at the Cumberland County Jail on $350,000 cash-only bail.

Trial Chief John Jesperson said Thursday that the charges stem from an accusation that Harvey, who teaches computer arts at Delsea Regional High School in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, engaged in a sexual relationship with the student for more than six months.

The girl, Jesperson said, was 17 for the entire relationship. She turns 18 in August.

The allegations came to light, Jesperson added, after the victim’s parents complained to authorities.

All the charges against Harvey are second-degree offenses, which normally carry prison terms of five to 10 years. The sexual-assault charge, prosecutors said, is also subject to the state’s No Early Release Act, which mandates that convicted defendants serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Harvey’s attorney, Ned Rogovoy, declined comment Thursday evening. Rogovoy refused to discuss the case when asked whether his client denies the charges.

Although Harvey lives in Salem County, Jesperson said he is facing charges in Cumberland County because prosecutors believe many of the trysts between Harvey and the girl took place in Cumberland.

“Most of the meetings that they had, and the acts we’re alleging, took place in Cumberland County,” he said.

According to jail officials, Harvey had not posted bail Thursday night.