Justin McGhee

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A Monmouth County teacher and high school basketball coach admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student, authorities said Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Justin McGhee, 36, of Ocean Township, pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault during a hearing before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry P. Butehorn, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.

McGhee, who had been the head coach of the girls’ basketball team, started the relationship with the student late last year, Santiago said. The student was under the age of 18, he added.

McGhee was arrested without incident on Jan. 28, and placed on administrative leave by Middletown High School North.

Sentencing is set for Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, when prosecutors plan to seek 5½ years in state prison, forfeiture of public employment, Megan’s Law registration, and parole supervision for life. They will also request that McGhee have no contact with the victim and be barred from Middletown High School North property, the prosecutor said.

McGhee’s social media pages indicate he is a married father of two. His LinkedIn page shows he works as a speed and strength coach at the Parisi School in Manasquan. He studied exercise science at Montclair State University and earned a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Scranton.