A now-19-year-old boy from New Jersey has made headlines after asserting that he instigated his relationship with Laura Caron, his former teacher, who became pregnant when he was just 13 years old.
In an exclusive interview, the teenager, whose name is being withheld, expressed his support for Caron, now 34, who faces serious charges including allegations of raping him. He hopes she will not have to face trial and maintains that he does not consider himself a victim.
Caron, a former college basketball player, is currently awaiting trial and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege that she exploited the boy, who moved in with her when he was only 11, and subjected him to years of abuse before having his child in 2019.
According to reports, their relationship was kept secret, with Caron allegedly telling friends at a baby shower that the child’s father was “out of the picture.” The truth only surfaced years later when the boy’s father recognized a striking resemblance between Caron’s daughter and his son.
In the interview, the teen insisted that the charges against Caron should be dropped, asserting, “I wasn’t groomed or raped or manipulated by her. She never initiated anything. I started everything.” He expressed his desire for Caron to be free and has stated that their familial bond remains strong.
Rejecting any claims that he was abused at 11, he described such allegations as “crazy.” Caron has not publicly commented on the accusations as she left a bail hearing in Cape May, New Jersey.
Caron, who teaches fifth grade and is also a basketball coach at Middle Township Elementary School #2, first met the boy when she taught his older sister. The family trusted Caron and allowed her to care for their son and his siblings, even permitting overnight stays at her home. This arrangement eventually led to their romantic relationship and to Caron’s pregnancy.
In December, the boy’s father saw a photo of Caron’s daughter and was alarmed by the similarities to his son, prompting him to contact authorities, which led to an investigation.
Caron continued teaching after her daughter was born and was living with her mother, who watched the child until Caron’s arrest on January 15. Court orders prevent any contact between the teenager and Caron, which he described as difficult to manage.
He expressed frustration over being labeled as a victim and the negative portrayals of Caron in the media, saying, “I’ve seen it all and it’s crazy.” He placed some blame on his father for the situation, describing a breakdown in their relationship stemming from a Facebook post.
“I love her with all my heart. She was there for me and my family,” he said, emphasizing how much he values their connection. As a standout athlete with aspirations for a top college program, the teenager is trying to remain focused amid the turmoil surrounding their situation.
