News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, a choir director at Brockton High School, has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and unlawful sexual conduct involving a minor. An investigation, initiated by Massachusetts State Police after suspicious transactions were reported, led to allegations that Cunningham engaged in sexual acts with an underage male. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on $25,000 bail with specific conditions. The Brockton Public Schools has placed him on paid administrative leave as they assess the impact on the school community.
Brockton, MA — Choir Director Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges Involving Underage Student
Matthew Cunningham, a 35-year-old choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested Tuesday morning at his residence following a months-long investigation involving local law enforcement officials. Cunningham faces serious charges related to sex trafficking and unlawful sexual conduct involving a minor.
Details of the Charges and Investigation
The Massachusetts State Police in collaboration with Brockton police initiated the investigation after school administrators flagged a suspicious transaction between an adult and a minor to the FBI. This prompted authorities to launch a detailed inquiry into Cunningham’s activities.
According to authorities, Cunningham is accused of meeting an underage male on April 27. It is alleged he engaged in a sexual act with the minor and then paid him through a mobile payment application. The charges filed against Cunningham include sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
At his arraignment on August 19, 2025, Cunningham pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was held on $25,000 bail with several conditions, including remaining away from the victim and Brockton High School, avoiding social media, surrendering his passport, and restrictions to remain within Massachusetts. Prosecutors had requested that bail be set at $50,000.
A forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone is underway as authorities seek more evidence. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Institutional Response and Community Impact
Brockton Public Schools has placed Cunningham on paid administrative leave. A district spokesperson emphasized that the safety and well-being of students are the primary concerns and that resources are being mobilized to support the school community during this time.
Since the incident became public, the Brockton High School community has expressed concern and alarm over the situation. School officials report that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement efforts and are reviewing safety protocols.
Background and Personal Profile of Cunningham
Cunningham has been serving as the chiror director at Brockton High School since 2013. In addition, he holds the position of president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Before his current role, he worked as an elementary music teacher in Holbrook Public Schools.
A graduate of Brockton High School (2008), Cunningham earned his \b{bachelor’s degree} in music education from Providence College and a master’s degree from Florida State University.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation remains active, with authorities conducting additional interviews and forensic analysis. The community awaits further updates as law enforcement and school officials continue to handle the case, ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.
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
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WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
