NJ Middle School Teacher Sent 'Sexual And Suggestive' Messages To Student, Officials Say

CHESTER, NJ — A Hackettstown woman and Chester School District teacher was arrested this week and charged with child endangerment and luring, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Lorri A. Willis, 45, was arrested on Monday in Chester for endangering the welfare of a child and luring, specifically for sexting her 13-year-old student, prosecutors said.

An investigation found that between June 2024 and October of this year, Willis sent several "sexual and suggestive" text messages to her 13-year-old student, police said.

Willis was employed as a science teacher at Black River Middle School. School officials announced that she has since been "released from all her duties," and prosecutors added that she has been suspended from teaching.

"The District was recently notified by law enforcement that a Black River Middle School staff member has been arrested," a Chester School District statement read. "We take allegations of inappropriate conduct by a staff member very seriously. At this time, there is no indication that there is any current risk or threat to the District."

Chester school officials said that they cannot provide further details regarding the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to call the Morris County
Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated with a statement from the Chester School District confirming Willis' employment status, and additional details from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.