Bergen Social Worker Had Sexual Relationship With Minor: Cops

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ – A 39-year-old Washington Township social worker faces charges after authorities say she had a sexual relationship with a student at a private high school she worked at.

Tara Cardinale was arrested Friday and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal sexual contact, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

The charges stem from an investigation launched after Paramus Police received information on Dec. 29 that Cardinale, a primary therapist at the school, engaged in sexual contact with a student under the age of 18, the prosecutor’s office said.

The investigation revealed that Cardinale invited the student to her home in Washington Township, where they engaged in sexual activity, the prosecutor’s office said.

Cardinale was remanded to county jail, pending her first appearance in court on Jan. 15, authorities said.