Former Long Branch elementary school teacher charged with sexually assaulting female student

Gustavo Barrientos, 53, of Tinton Falls and a former Long Branch school teacher was arrested today and charged with sexually assaulting a 10 year old female student. Barrientos is in the custody of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a detention hearing.

A joint investigation by the Long Branch Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Bureau revealed that while employed as an elementary school teacher, Barrientos repeatedly exposed the 10 year old victim to pornography and sexually assaulted her, Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced.

Barrientos is facing life imprisonment if convicted of aggravated sexual assault and 10 years if convicted of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Should he ever be released after conviction, he would be subject to Parole Supervision for Life and required to register under Megan’s Law.

Investigators are seeking additional information about Barrientos’ activities. Anyone with any information please contact Detective Todd Coleman of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000 or Detective Sergeant Shawn Murphy of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Bureau at 732-431-7160 ext. 7032.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to the Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tipline at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.