By JOSEPH P. SMITH • Gannett New Jersey • June 15, 2009

A Cumberland County high school teacher is accused of taking two juvenile girls to a Cape May hotel for sex over the Memorial Day weekend, authorities said Friday.

Michael S. Drebes, 37, a math teacher at Memorial High School in Millville, is charged with aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and other offenses.

Cape May County authorities identified Drebes as a resident of Chew Road in Waterford, but Cumberland County authorities said he had moved to Millville.

Authorities alleged Drebes sexually assaulted a 14-year-old student in Camden, Cumberland and Cape May counties during an ongoing four-month relationship. The other alleged victim is a 16-year-old former student, officials said.

Drebes, who was in custody Friday, is the fifth staffer at an area school district to be accused of sexual misconduct this year.

Detectives, acting on a tip from a student, determined Drebes “had sexual intercourse with two juvenile females in a hotel room in the city of Cape May during Memorial Day weekend,” said Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor.

The three reportedly traveled together from Cumberland County to the shore, he said.

Drebes was arrested June 4 on multiple charges involving both girls. The arrest was not made public until Friday while investigators worked to build their case.

The investigation continues.

Drebes faces charges in Cape May and Cumberland counties, with accusations pending in Camden County, according to officials. The Camden County charges could not be determined Friday.

Millville school Superintendent Shelly Schneider said Drebes was suspended with pay. He could be suspended without pay if he is indicted.

“All I can verify is he is a teacher of math at the Memorial School for five years,” Schneider said.

Authorities said Drebes is married but separated.

In other recent cases, Jeffrey Doogan of Medford, a teacher’s aide at Shawnee High School in Medford, pleaded guilty last month to sexual contact with a 14-year-old student. He was charged in January.

Also: Bryan Broughton, a Glassboro High School music teacher, was charged in April with sexual assault and official misconduct. And teacher Eric L. Johansen Jr. of Mount Laurel was accused in March of sexual contact with a girl at Seneca High School in Tabernacle.

James J. Atkinson III of Pitman, a longtime music teacher at West Deptford High School, pleaded guilty in January to Internet possession of child pornography.

Staff writer Jim Walsh contributed to this report. Reach Joseph P. Smith at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com

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