Former New Jersey teacher found guilty of sexually assaulting a 6th grader and attempting to conceal the crime.

A former public school teacher from Bridgeton, New Jersey, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a male student approximately two decades ago and subsequently attempting to bribe the victim to conceal the abuse. Isaias Garza, 57, of Vineland, was found guilty on Friday following a trial that shed light on the disturbing nature of his offenses, as reported by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.

The allegations against Garza stemmed from incidents occurring between 2004 and 2005, when the victim, identified only as R.H., was a sixth grader enrolled in the ExCEL program—a distinguished educational initiative within the Bridgeton Public Schools that focuses on academic excellence, character growth, and community involvement. At the time, Garza was serving as the head teacher of this program, a role that placed him in a trusted position among his students.

Garza was initially arrested in October 2018 following accusations not only from R.H. but also from another minor linked to the case, I.H., who is described in local media reports as R.H.’s brother. It was alleged that the abuse began when both boys were under the age of 13. During the trial, which commenced on September 19, prosecutors detailed the repeated sexual assaults on R.H. and presented evidence that Garza attempted to manipulate the victim with offers of money and other benefits, urging him to fabricate a false narrative during the investigation that was sparked by the allegations.

After a lengthy trial, a Cumberland County jury sided with prosecutors, resulting in Garza’s conviction on charges of sexual assault and witness tampering, as well as bribery. Prior to the jury’s verdict, additional charges connected to both R.H. and I.H. were dropped.

Garza, a veteran teacher who had been part of the Bridgeton Public Schools system since 1995, denied the charges throughout the proceedings. His employment was terminated following the emergence of these allegations, which have cast a long shadow over his professional legacy.

Sentencing for Garza is scheduled for January 30, 2026. He faces a potential prison term ranging from five to ten years for each of the charges against him, marking a significant outcome in a case that highlights the vulnerabilities of students and the imperative for protective measures within educational environments.