Crime & Safety

Morris Co. Math Teacher Followed Student By Car Twice: Records

A Morris County math teacher accused of stalking a student allegedly stared at her in class and followed her by car twice, records allege.

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — A Mount Olive math teacher is accused of following a female student outside of school on multiple occasions, staring at her in classrooms, and giving her chocolate, despite being told to have no contact with her, according to court documents.

Tajinder Tung, 47, from Stewartsville, was arrested and charged with stalking and harassment after allegedly targeting the student from September 2017 through May 2019, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knap said.

The alleged harassment began in school, but eventually led to stalking outside of the classroom, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The student was not in one of Tung's classes, nor was she a member of any extra-curricular activities overseen by Tung, the affidavit says.

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During the school day, Tung would allegedly "persistently" stare at the student in the hallways and through the window into her classroom. He also gave her chocolate on one occasion, records say.

The student reported the gift and the attention, and Tung was ordered to stay away from her, records show.

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Mount Olive Superintendent Robert Zywicki has not responded to Patch's request for comment.

In March 2019, the harassment began outside of school, records allege. Tung is accused of following the student and a passenger by car to the parking lot of a store, but not into the store itself. He then allegedly posted a meme on his Facebook page that "championed stalking someone at school," records say.

The harassment "culminated" on May 2, 2019, records allege. The student was driving alone in Warren County when Tung began following her by car, records say. She tried to get away from Tung by driving through and behind business parking lots, but Tung kept following her, the affidavit alleges.

Eventually the girl pulled up to a nearby family members home. Tung pulled up next to the girl, so close that she was unable to open her car door, the report alleges.

Tung has been released pending a court date on Thursday.

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