Bloomfield Band Director Daniel Burbank Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Student

Bloomfield Band Director Arrested, Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A New Jersey teacher and band director was arrested Friday after officials said he sexually assaulted a student over a period of years. Bloomfield Middle School Band Director Daniel Burbank, 37, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Student Since Age 13.

NJ Middle School Band Director Allegedly Had Long-term Relationship with Student

Daniel Burbank taught and served as band director at Bloomfield Middle School while also working as an assistant band director at Bloomfield High School. The Monroe resident was taken into custody on charges stemming from what investigators describe as a prolonged abusive relationship with the victim, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's office.

Alleged Sexual Abuse Followed Student Into High School

Authorities said the abuse began while the victim was still attending middle school. Burbank allegedly continued the assaults after the student moved on to Bloomfield High School, where he held his second teaching post.

Middle School Band Director Facing Charges Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Burbank now faces a list of serious charges: sexual assault, attempted aggravated sexual assault, sexual contact, criminal restraint, endangering the welfare of a child, and luring.

District Response to Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse

Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves notified parents of the arrest in an email sent Monday evening. "The Bloomfield School District is aware of an incident involving an employee that has resulted in law enforcement action," Goncalves wrote, adding that the employee has been placed on leave.

"The safety and well-being of our students remain our absolute highest priority," he continued. "Counseling staff will be available to support any students or staff in need."

Goncalves said the district's hands are tied on further details for now. "Because this is currently an active investigation and a confidential personnel matter, the district can make no further comment at this time. We appreciate your understanding," he wrote.

A Troubling Pattern In The District

Burbank's arrest marks the second such case involving a Bloomfield educator in recent years. Leo A. Donaldson, a former high school teacher and cross-country coach in the district, previously pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two male students. Donaldson was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2018.

The factual information above was sourced from nypost.com as of June 16, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

NJ Sexual Abuse Attorney Explains Legal Options for Students

When a school employee is accused of abusing a student, families are often left wondering what comes next and what rights the victim actually has. We sat down with longtime New Jersey sexual abuse attorney Joe Messa to break down the civil legal process, how school districts can be held accountable, and what changes in state law mean for survivors who are only now coming forward.

Q: When a teacher or coach is accused of sexually abusing a student, what legal options does the victim have beyond the criminal case?

A: The criminal case is handled by prosecutors and focuses on punishing the offender. But victims also have the right to pursue a civil case, which is separate and can hold the school district accountable, not just the individual. That civil case is often where victims see real accountability and compensation for what they endured.

Q: Can a school district be held responsible if one of its employees commits abuse?

A: Yes, in many situations. If a district knew or should have known about red flags and failed to act, or failed to properly supervise staff, that district can be found negligent. New Jersey law allows victims to bring claims against schools for failing to protect students.

Q: How long do victims have to take legal action in New Jersey?

A: New Jersey passed a law that gives child sexual abuse victims an extended window to file civil claims. This means many people who thought their time had run out may still have a case. It is important to discuss time limits with an experienced sexual abuse attorney.

Q: What should a parent or victim do first if they suspect abuse occurred?

A: Report it to law enforcement right away and get the child connected with a counselor or therapist. From there, speaking with an attorney who handles these cases can help families understand their rights and what evidence matters, separate from anything happening in the criminal case.

Help Is Available: Reach Out Today

If your child or family has been affected by abuse at the hands of a teacher, coach, or school employee, you don't have to face it alone. Our team offers free, confidential consultations to help victims and their families understand their rights and explore all available legal options. Reach out today to speak with our attorney and take the first step toward accountability.