Brockton, Massachusetts, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, a choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested on sex trafficking charges involving an underage student. Following a lengthy investigation, Cunningham faces charges of sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a minor. He pleaded not guilty in court and was released on bail with strict conditions, including staying away from the victim and the school. The incident has raised concerns among parents and the community about student safety and oversight in educational settings.
Brockton, Massachusetts – Matthew Cunningham, the 35-year-old choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested on sex trafficking charges involving an underage student. Cunningham was taken into custody at his home on Tuesday morning following a lengthy investigation by the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton police, which began after a report involving inappropriate transactions between an adult and a minor was flagged to the FBI.
Cunningham faces two serious charges: sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude. It is alleged that he engaged in sexual acts with an underage male on April 27, paying him through a mobile app. In court, Cunningham pleaded not guilty to these charges on August 19, 2025, but was held on $25,000 bail, with specific conditions for his release.
As part of those conditions, Cunningham must stay away from the victim and Brockton High School, refrain from using social media, surrender his passport, and remain within Massachusetts. Prosecutors had urged the court to impose a higher bail amount of $50,000 due to the severity of the allegations. Further investigations are ongoing, including a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone.
Following his arrest, Brockton Public Schools placed Cunningham on paid administrative leave. A spokesperson for the district emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of all students and stated that resources are being mobilized to support the school community during this challenging time.
Cunningham has been working at Brockton High School since 2013 and has also played a significant role within the music education community, serving as the president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. He previously worked as an elementary music teacher in Holbrook Public Schools and is an alumnus of Brockton High School, having graduated in 2008. Cunningham holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College and a master’s degree from Florida State University.
The allegations against Cunningham have raised significant concerns within the Brockton High School community, prompting discussions about student safety and oversight within educational settings. Parents and community members are understandably troubled by the events, and administrators are exploring measures to ensure the safety of students going forward.
Cunningham’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, 2025, where further legal proceedings will take place. The ongoing investigation emphasizes the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation and ensuring accountability for those in trusted positions.
FAQ
What charges has Matthew Cunningham faced?
Matthew Cunningham has been charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude involving an underage male.
When was Cunningham arrested?
Cunningham was arrested on Tuesday morning after a months-long investigation by law enforcement agencies.
What are the conditions of Cunningham’s bail?
He was granted bail of $25,000 with conditions including staying away from the victim and Brockton High School, remaining off social media, and surrendering his passport.
How has Brockton Public Schools responded?
Brockton Public Schools has placed Cunningham on paid administrative leave and is prioritizing the safety and well-being of students while providing support to the school community.
When is Cunningham’s next court appearance?
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Key Features of the Case
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | Tuesday morning, date unspecified |
| Charges | Sexual conduct for a fee, trafficking a person for sexual servitude |
| Bail Amount | $25,000 |
| Court Appearance | September 18, 2025 |
| Administrative Action | Placed on paid administrative leave |
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 PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
