New Jersey Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault
A former middle school teacher from New Jersey has been taken into custody following a former student’s allegations of sexual relations occurring both in the classroom and in her vehicle.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Ashley A. Fissler, 36, previously known as Ashley Sula, was arrested on Thursday.
It’s unsettling, really. “It’s scary to think that it could happen so close to home,” one local resident remarked.
Fissler faces six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor, a second-degree charge of sexual assault, and another count of second-degree official misconduct.
If convicted, she could face 20 years in prison for each first-degree charge and up to 10 years for second-degree charges, according to prosecutors.
Fissler resides in Washington Township and is currently held at Salem County Jail, where she has been denied bail.
According to police records, on January 23, the now-adult alleged victim revealed to authorities that he had a sexual relationship with Fissler in 2021, during which she was his teacher at Orchard Valley Middle School.
The victim stated that he engaged in multiple sexual encounters with her in both her car and the classroom throughout 2021. Reports suggest that Fissler had sexual relations with the student on multiple occasions and that investigators found text messages confirming the inappropriate nature of their connection.
Further detailing the allegations, court documents indicated that Fissler sent numerous nude photographs to the student.
It’s noted that she had been teaching social studies in the Washington Township School District since 2014 but is no longer employed there.
Eric M. Hibbs, the Superintendent of Washington Township Public Schools, issued a statement regarding the charges: “We take issues surrounding the safety and well-being of our students very seriously. The individuals mentioned are not currently employed by the district and left their employment in April 2023. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so.”
One of Fissler’s former students had even praised her in an essay, calling her a “hero” for connecting with students personally. It feels rather jarring to think about such a contrasting narrative now.
The essay highlighted Fissler’s dedication to making students feel comfortable and safe in school, which makes the current situation even more perplexing.
A local graduate expressed her horror at the situation, sharing her discomfort knowing that her brothers were once in Fissler’s class. “It’s really unsettling,” she said.
Fissler maintains her innocence, with her attorney stating that they plan to wait for evidence to be presented. Meanwhile, he believes she should be granted bail, suggesting she poses no flight risk.
The case involves allegations dating back five years, leading to questions about why it has come to light now. Fissler is scheduled for a bail hearing on Wednesday.
