Morris County Middle School Teacher Charged With Child Sex Crimes

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 9:30 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CHESTER, NJ.- On Monday, following an investigation, a 45-year-old Hackettstown, New Jersey, woman, employed as a Chester, New Jersey, middle school teacher, was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to a former 13-year-old student.

     According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, earlier this month, the Chester Police Department received a report of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher employed at Black River Middle School, identified as Lorri Ann Willis, 45, of Hackettstown, New Jersey.

     It is alleged that Willis had sent sexual and suggestive text messages to a 13-year-old child who was her former student from June 2024 through October 2025.

Investigation Leads To Charges Being Filed On Monday

     Accordingly, as a result of the investigation, on Monday, October 20, 2025, Willis was taken into custody and formally charged with one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and one count of second-degree Luring. Willis was processed on the charges and was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings in Morris County Superior Court in Morristown, New Jersey. Willis has been suspended from her teaching position.

     Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation should contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200. All calls and information will be kept confidential. 

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”