News Summary
Matthew Cunningham, 35, the choir director at Brockton High School, was arrested on sex trafficking charges involving an underage male student. The investigation was initiated following reports of suspicious transactions involving minors and led to serious allegations of sexual conduct for a fee. Cunningham, who has been placed on paid administrative leave, pleaded not guilty during his court appearance. The Brockton community is deeply unsettled as the school district emphasizes student safety amid the ongoing investigation.
Brockton, Massachusetts –
The choir director of Brockton High School, Matthew Cunningham, 35, was arrested on sex trafficking charges involving an underage student. He faced a judge earlier today following his arrest on multiple serious charges, including sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
Cunningham’s arrest took place on Tuesday morning at his home in Brockton, resulting from a prolonged investigation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton police. The inquiry was initiated after app administrators identified a suspicious transaction between an adult and a minor, notifying the FBI, which led to law enforcement intervention.
According to police reports, Cunningham is alleged to have met with an underage male on April 27, 2025. He is accused of performing a sexual act on the minor and subsequently compensating him through a mobile application. The situation has deeply unsettled the Brockton High School community, prompting immediate concerns regarding student safety.
As a consequence of the allegations, Cunningham has been placed on paid administrative leave from his position at Brockton Public Schools. A spokesperson for the school district emphasized that their primary focus is the safety and well-being of students. They are mobilizing resources to support the school community during this troubling time.
During his court appearance, Cunningham pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. In light of the severity of the allegations, prosecutors initially requested bail be set at $50,000; however, the judge ultimately set the bail at $25,000. Cunningham is required to comply with several release conditions, which include maintaining distance from the victim and from Brockton High School, refraining from social media activities, surrendering his passport, and remaining within Massachusetts.
As part of the ongoing investigation, a forensic examination of Cunningham’s cell phone is planned to uncover more information relevant to the case. His next court appearance has been scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Background on Cunningham
Matthew Cunningham has been a prominent figure within the Brockton High School community since 2013, serving as the choral director. He previously held the position of an elementary music teacher in Holbrook Public Schools. Educated in the area, Cunningham graduated from Brockton High School in 2008, later obtaining a bachelor’s degree in music education from Providence College and a master’s degree from Florida State University. He is also the president-elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
The allegations against Cunningham have inevitably raised serious concerns among parents, students, and faculty at Brockton High School. As the investigation develops, the safety and integrity of the educational environment remain a top priority for the administration and community advocates.