Former S.B. gym teacher admits sex with underage student

Daniel Kerekes Aformer physical education teacher at South Brunswick High School pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, admitting to having sex with a 16-yearold female student.

Daniel Kerekes, 37, of South River, faces up to three years in prison for the offense. He has also agreed to give up his teaching certificate and cannot make contact with the victim.

According to Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Christie Bevacqua, the relationship between Kerekes and the student had been going on from November 2007 through April 2008, when the arrest took place. Kerekes admitted to sexual acts with the girl both in school and at his home.

He will not be placed on the Megan's Law list due to the plea bargain.

"This was a negotiated plea, and as a result of the plea negotiations and the victim's input, we decided to enter it as endangering a child's welfare," Bevacqua said.

Kerekes was originally charged with sexual assault in April, but the plea deal led to a less harsh charge. High school Principal Tim Matheney contacted police in April after receiving information regarding the relationship.

In addition to being employed at SBHS since 1999, he was also the boys lacrosse coach at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South for the past two years.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 17 before state Superior Court Judge Frederick DeVesa. Kerekes has been free on $125,000 bail.