Hearing for Teacher Accused of Trying to Date Former Students Postponed Again

Another day, another postponement.

A hearing for a Timber Creek Regional High School teacher charged with trying to solicit dates through social media with former students was once again postponed this week.

David Clune, 34, is accused of sending 72 text and Facebook messages to ex-students over four days during the July 4th holiday weekend inviting them on dates.

His scheduled hearing this week was postponed for the second time since he was arrested and charged on July 10. Municipal Court Judge Michael Diamond said Tuesday Clune's attorney, Dennis Wexted, wasn't available because he was on a "prepaid vacation." Clune's hearing was previously postponed in August because of a conflict of interest with Gloucester Township Prosecutor Michael Kennedy, who is a member of a law firm owned by township school Solicitor John Wade. 

This Week's hearing was held in the remote Camden County borough of Chesilhurst to avoid any further conflicts of interest in Gloucester Township, officials said. Clune did not appear in court this week or in August. He was not required to do so.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, a Gloucester Township municipal court worker said the hearing was still on. But Diamond announced Clune's hearing was postponed shortly after the 6 p.m. start of court. He said the request was sent to him from Wexted and the court was not immediately notified.

Clune is suspended from his teaching position and has been ordered not to have contact with students or staff, and to stay off of school grounds.

Gloucester Township Police say a 17-year-old Timber Creek graduate received 33 text messages from Clune July 4-8, and that Clune was attempting to meet with the teen socially. He also sent 39 Facebook messages to an 18-year-old July 4-6, also attempting to meet with her, Gloucester Township Police report.

Clune was only charged in the messages involving the 17-year-old; the other student originally decided not to press charges. He is charged with a petty disorderly persons offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Neither student met with Clune, police report.

Clune has taught at Timber Creek for eight years, and taught five classes, according to state records. His last listed salary is $53,358. He was Timber Creek's head baseball coach in 2013.