Brockton High music teacher arrested, charged with sex trafficking

Matthew Cunningham, 35, the choral director at Brockton High School, was arrested and placed on administrative leave after facing serious charges including sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking for sexual servitude. He entered a not guilty plea in court on Tuesday, as district officials confirmed the allegations. The investigation began when a payment transaction involving an underage male victim was flagged to the FBI, leading to Cunningham's arrest. District spokespersons emphasized their commitment to student safety and announced they are mobilizing resources to support the affected community. Cunningham's bail is set at $25,000, and he must comply with restrictions including staying off social media and remaining in Massachusetts.

He is scheduled for a status hearing on Thursday and a probable cause hearing on September 18. The charges against Cunningham raise concerns about the safety of students in the district, prompting a response from school officials. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation.