Church Music Minister Sentenced for Sex with Teenage Girl

A former music minister at Millburn’s Community Congregational Church and former choir director and organist for Congregation B’nai Jeshurun was sentenced to five years in prison on April 1.

Warren Halsey Brown pleaded guilty to a sexual assault charge in front of Union County Judge Robert Mega. The case surrounded Brown’s sexual relations with a 15-year-old student from Kent Place School in Summit where he taught music for 15 years before leaving in October 2008.

Brown is eligible for parole after two and a half years and must register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law with parole supervision for life.

He was originally ordered to have no contact with the victim, but according to reports, the student asked that the plea agreement be revised to allow contact with Brown after she turns 18.

Brown was arrested in February 2009 after the victim’s parents grew suspicious of the relationship and notified police.

Brown reportedly met the teenager in September 2007 at the school. Their sexual relationship began in July 2008.