A middle school teacher from New Jersey is facing charges related to allegations of grooming a boy, starting when he was just 12, and engaging in sexual activities with him at least six times, as her lawyer claimed during a hearing on Wednesday. The defense attorney, Rocco Ciparone, suggested that the boy had been complicit, pointing to lewd text messages he sent her.
“He doesn’t text like a child…His texts are as graphic and direct as I’ve ever seen from an adult,” Ciparone stated.
He clarified that while the boy is indeed young, the situation isn’t as innocent or dangerous as it has been portrayed by the prosecution.
According to prosecutors, 36-year-old Ashley Fissler, who formerly taught social studies at Orchard Valley Middle School in Washington Township, exchanged around 7,500 text messages with the boy over six years. They allege that this ongoing communication was part of a larger pattern of grooming that began when he was 12.
During the virtual hearing, Gloucester County Prosecutor Kylie Finley described how Fissler supposedly asked the boy about sexual experiences with peers, suggested watching explicit films together, and requested he send her personal photos.
Fissler, who is married, is also accused of having sexual encounters with the now 16-year-old in various locations, including his classroom and her vehicle.
The teenager reportedly tried multiple times to end their relationship but, according to the allegations, Fissler continued to assert control over him. In a poignant message, he expressed, “You took away my innocence.”
However, Ciparone contended that the prosecution had misrepresented this message by taking it out of context, exaggerating the severity of the situation.
He emphasized that there is no substantial evidence suggesting his client had sexually assaulted the boy.
Fissler attended the hearing via video from Salem County Jail, dressed in dark green prison attire and only spoke to confirm her identity. A restraining order was issued by Judge William Ziegler, prohibiting her from contacting the victim. Fissler will remain in custody until a decision is made regarding her bail.
