News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, a choir director at Brockton High School, has been arrested on multiple charges including sex trafficking involving an underage student. Following a lengthy investigation by Massachusetts State Police and local authorities, Cunningham was taken into custody at his home. He has been charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. The school community is deeply affected by these allegations, and resources are being mobilized to support students and staff during this challenging time.
Brockton, Massachusetts – Choir Director Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges
Matthew Cunningham, a 35-year-old choir director at Brockton High School, has been arrested on multiple charges, including sex trafficking involving an underage student. Cunningham faced a judge today following his arrest at his home on Tuesday morning after a months-long investigation led by Massachusetts State Police in collaboration with Brockton police.
Cunningham is charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. The investigation commenced when app administrators reported a suspicious transaction between an adult and a minor to the FBI, prompting further police inquiry. According to the allegations, Cunningham met with a male student on April 27 and engaged in sexual acts, compensating the victim through a mobile application.
Following his arrest, Cunningham was placed on paid administrative leave from his position at Brockton High School. A spokesperson for Brockton Public Schools indicated that the priority is the safety and well-being of all students. The school has mobilized resources to support the community during this distressing time.
On August 19, 2025, Cunningham entered a plea of not guilty in court. He was held on a bail amount of $25,000, with conditions that include avoiding contact with the victim, staying away from Brockton High School, refraining from using social media, surrendering his passport, and remaining within the borders of Massachusetts. Prosecutors had requested a higher bail amount of $50,000.
A forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone is part of the ongoing investigation, which aims to uncover more details regarding the allegations against him. His next court appearance is set for September 18, 2025.
Cunningham has held the position of choral director at Brockton High School since 2013, and was previously appointed as the president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Prior to his role at Brockton High School, he worked as an elementary music teacher within the Holbrook Public Schools. Notably, he is an alumnus of Brockton High School, graduating in 2008, and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College, followed by a master’s degree from Florida State University.
This incident has triggered significant concern within the Brockton High School community, impacting students, parents, and faculty alike as they grapple with the implications of these serious allegations against a long-standing member of their educational community.
The Brockton police and Massachusetts State Police continue to investigate the case thoroughly, ensuring all evidence is gathered as they work toward understanding the full extent of the alleged crimes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- Wikipedia: Sex Trafficking
- WCVB
- Google Search: Sex Trafficking in Education
- Enterprise News
- Google Scholar: Educational Institution Responsibility in Student Safety
- WHDH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Misconduct
- Boston Globe
- Google News: Brockton High School Scandal
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
