News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, the choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested on serious charges of sex trafficking involving an underage student following a lengthy investigation. He allegedly met the minor, performed a sexual act, and paid the student via a mobile application. The case has raised significant concerns among the school community, prompting a commitment to student safety and support as legal proceedings unfold.
Brockton, MA—High School Choir Director Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges Involving Underage Student
Matthew Cunningham, the 35-year-old choir director at Brockton High School, was formally charged and presented before a judge following his arrest on allegations of sex trafficking and sexual conduct for a fee. The arrest took place Tuesday morning at his residence in Brockton, Massachusetts, marking a significant development in a months-long investigation conducted by state and local authorities.
Details of the Charges and Arrest
The Massachusetts State Police and Brockton police initiated the investigation after suspicious activity was detected through app monitoring. The investigation was triggered when app administrators flagged a transaction reported to the FBI between an adult and a minor. This led authorities to suspect misconduct involving a minor student.
Based on evidence gathered, Cunningham is accused of an incident on April 27, during which he allegedly met an underage male student, performed a sexual act on him, and subsequently paid the minor through a mobile payment application. These actions constitute serious criminal charges including sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
After his arrest, Cunningham was taken to court where he pleaded not guilty on August 19, 2025. He is currently held on a bail of $25,000, with several conditions imposed to ensure court appearance and community safety. These conditions include avoiding contact with the victim, staying away from Brockton High School, refraining from social media use, surrendering his passport, and remaining within Massachusetts borders.
Prosecutors attempted to increase the bail to $50,000, arguing for greater restrictions or detention. Cunningham’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation and School Response
The investigation includes a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone, which is expected to provide further evidence linked to the allegations. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains open as more information is evaluated.
Following Cunningham’s arrest, Brockton Public Schools announced that he has been placed on paid administrative leave. School officials highlighted their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and assured that resources are being allocated to support the school community during this challenging time.
Background and Community Impact
Cunningham has served as the choral director at Brockton High School since 2013. In addition to his role at the high school, he is the president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. His background includes previous service as an elementary music teacher in Holbrook Public Schools.
Cunningham is a Brockton High School graduate of 2008 and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College and a master’s degree from Florida State University.
Community Concerns and Moving Forward
The incident has raised significant concern among students, parents, and staff at Brockton High School. School officials continue to prioritize student safety and are actively working with law enforcement to address the situation and prevent further harm. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional updates will be provided as the case develops.
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
