Ex-Teacher Faces New Charges of Sexual Abuse

Authorities have announced new charges against a former New Jersey middle school teacher already accused of sexually assaulting a student.

Ashley A. Fissler, 36, arrested earlier this year, previously went by her maiden name, Ashley Sula. She was taken into custody in March.

“I am responsible for all of this.”

On March 26, Fissler was charged with multiple counts including six first-degree sexual assault charges involving a minor and another charge for official misconduct. If she is found guilty, she could face substantial prison time—up to 20 years for each first-degree charge and up to 10 for second-degree charges, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

Recently, a grand jury indicted her on even more serious child sex charges, bringing the total to twelve. These charges include not only sexual assault but also the manufacturing of child sexual abuse materials.

Court documents reveal that the alleged victim—now an adult—confided in authorities about an ongoing sexual relationship with Fissler that began when he was still a minor. The relationship reportedly involved encounters both in her car and the classroom during 2021.

Investigators discovered text messages between Fissler and the victim, providing evidence of the inappropriate nature of their exchanges. Reports indicate that approximately 7,500 pages of text messages were retrieved, which highlighted the grooming and manipulation tactics allegedly employed by Fissler.

In one concerning message, the victim expressed difficulties he faced as a result of the relationship, saying, “You destroyed what was inside me. You stripped me of my innocence.” Fissler reportedly acknowledged her role in harming him, stating, “I take full responsibility.”

Defense attorney Rocco Ciparone contended that there is insufficient evidence supporting the allegations and argued that the text messages cited were taken out of context. He suggested that many were sent long after the events in question, complicating the case further.

According to Ciparone, Fissler left her teaching position in 2023 because the boundaries between her role and the students became blurred—a claim he argues should be considered in her defense.

Fissler has not worked with any school district since her resignation. The Washington Township School District, where she worked, noted their commitment to student safety and their cooperation with law enforcement as the investigation progresses.

Currently, Fissler is being held without bail in the Salem County Jail as she awaits trial.