November 18, 2025 - by Herman Law
Seventeen former students have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against a Cherry Hill elementary school teacher—abuse that school officials allegedly ignored for more than a decade. The lawsuits filed by survivors reveal a pattern of institutional failures that enabled former teacher Otto Becken to harm children throughout the 1970s and 80s at James F. Cooper Elementary School.
Otto Becken started teaching at James F. Cooper Elementary in 1970 as a sixth-grade homeroom teacher and reading specialist. Civil lawsuits filed in Camden County Superior Court allege that Becken used his position to groom and sexually abuse students between 1974 and 1984, when his victims were typically 11 and 12 years old.
The allegations describe abuse in the classroom and during school activities. Survivors report that Becken had male students sit on his lap, touched them inappropriately under the guise of wrestling or roughhousing, and conducted private remedial reading sessions where the abuse escalated. Several alleged assaults occurred during weeklong overnight trips to Mount Misery, a campground in the Pine Barrens.
The lawsuits describe serious institutional failures. Court documents show that then-principal Lloyd Sandt received multiple reports about Becken’s inappropriate conduct but failed to take meaningful action or report the allegations to New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services until 1984.
The complaints detail a series of missed opportunities:
Despite these documented incidents and complaints, Becken continued teaching at James F. Cooper Elementary until 1984.
In 1984, Becken was finally charged with sexually assaulting two 12-year-old boys. He reached a settlement with the Cherry Hill School District that allowed him to quietly resign, surrender his teaching certificate, and seek psychiatric treatment. In 1985, Becken pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual misconduct. No jail time was imposed. He died in 2011 in Pennsylvania.
The first lawsuit against Cherry Hill School District was filed in 2023. Survivors alleged abuse during lunchtime remedial reading sessions and class activities. Many stayed silent for decades, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. They believed they were the only victims. One survivor described thinking he had “hit the lottery” when selected for Becken’s class, not realizing what was ahead.
After the initial lawsuit, more survivors found the courage to speak out. Some began having nightmares after reading news reports about the allegations. Others recalled how Becken promised his students the “best year ever” but told them they couldn’t tell anyone about what happened in his classroom. Many describe lasting trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulty with intimacy, and challenges maintaining employment.
These survivors were able to pursue justice thanks to the 2019 New Jersey Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations. The law allows child sexual abuse victims to sue their abusers and the institutions that protected them until they turn 55.
At Herman Law, we exclusively represent survivors of sexual abuse in schools, churches, foster care, and other institutions. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, especially when the perpetrator was a trusted authority figure.
Civil litigation can provide:
Time-sensitive legal options are available for survivors under age 55. If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse at James F. Cooper Elementary School, another Cherry Hill school, or any other institution, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit. The New Jersey Child Victims Act allows survivors to pursue claims until they turn 55, even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
Contact our Herman Law team today for a free, confidential consultation. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen.
Disclaimer: Herman Law did not represent any individuals in the criminal or civil cases described above.
Sources
Burney, M. (2025, April 30). Cherry Hill School District faces lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by a former sixth-grade teacher. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/education/cherry-hill-otto-becken-sexual-abuse-lawsuits-20250430.html
Burney, M. (2025, October 29). 10 more victims have filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by a former Cherry Hill sixth-grade teacher. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/education/cherry-hill-otto-becken-teacher-sexual-abuse-lawsuits-20251029.html
NBC10 Philadelphia. (2025, October 29). NJ school district accused of not protecting 6th graders from teacher’s sexual abuse. NBC10 Philadelphia. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/lawsuits-against-sixth-grade-teacher-cooper-elementary-school-cherry-hill-new-jersey/4293765/
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by an attorney at Herman Law, with legal experience in helping victims of sexual abuse.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.
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