The case of a high school teacher who allegedly exposed himself while working as a lifeguard could boil down to a he said-she said issue, according to his attorney.
Christopher Denn, 48, is currently suspended without pay from his job at Mainland Regional High School after a co-worker on the Ocean City Beach Patrol claimed he touched himself and exposed his private parts to her when they were working July 29 on the Surf Road beach.
The unnamed woman reported it to her co-workers, and Denn was arrested Aug. 9 on a charge of criminal sexual contact.
He was additionally charged with committing a lewd and offensive act where he knew it was likely to be seen by non-consenting children younger than 13.
There were about 300 to 500 people on the beach at the time, according to the affidavit.
But, the co-worker was the only witness police have, defense attorney John Tumelty said.
"It's a pure credibility case," Tumelty said, after a brief court appearance Thursday in Cape May County Superior Court.
He said that he and Assistant Prosecutor Bryna Batten are in talks to try to work the case out before Denn is indicted.
"Chris has been a schoolteacher for a number of years with an absolutely impeccable background," Tumelty said.
This is the first time any allegations have been made against him, his attorney said.
"We are looking into the credibility of the allegations," Tumelty added.
He said he is confident something will be worked out before an indictment.
Both charges are fourth degree, which do not carry the presumption of jail time.
