Teacher accused of classroom intercourse with teen ‘blames pupil for racy texts’
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT Ashley Fisler, 36, is accused of grooming a boy from age 12 and having sex with him at least six times. Her lawyer claims the victim sent graphic messages, but prosecutors say she manipulated the teen
Ashley Fisler allegedly engaged in sexual activities with her students (Image: Gloucester County NJ)
A teacher who was arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with her student has blamed the child for sending flirtatious text messages.
Ashley Fisler, 36, was accused of grooming a boy from the age of 12 and having sex on at least six occasions with the former pupil of Orchard Valley Middle School in Washington Township.
However, her defence lawyer argued that the alleged victim was complicit in sending provocative messages. Defence solicitor, Rocco Cipparone, presented his argument to the court: “He’s not texting like a kid. His texts are as graphic and direct as any I’ve seen from an adult.
“I’m not saying he’s not the age he is, but this is not a babe in the woods scenario that Ms Finley is creating from a risk and a danger perspective.”
County prosecutor Kylie Finley revealed messages from the 7,500 exchanged over a six-year period to the jury. The court was informed that the teacher had asked him to detail the sexual encounters he had with other girls his age.
Prosecutors also claimed that she had proposed to purchase a sex toy for the boy and shave his pubic hair, as per the messages, and requested him to send her photos of himself. When the alleged victim turned 16, Fisler is said to have had sex with him in her car and a school classroom.
The teenager reportedly “tried multiple times to break off the relationship”, but Fisler wouldn’t permit it, according to the New Post. In one message, the boy is believed to have written: “You stripped me of my innocence.”
On January 20 this year, the prosecution stated that Fisler informed Fisher: “I don’t want you in my life any more. As I’m getting older and I look back on the situation, I can’t help but see you as manipulative and selfish.”
The student subsequently reported the alleged abuse to local police in January.
Defence attorney Cipparone argued that the prosecution had selected specific messages to present a more severe scenario.
He claimed: “The state’s evidence leaves something to be desired; it’s contextual, selective, salacious texts that will be challenged.” Cipparone also maintained that there was no evidence to suggest Fisler had sexually assaulted the boy as a preteen.
The former social studies teacher faced charges of first-degree sexual assault of a minor, alongside one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second-degree official misconduct.
Judge William Ziegler has since issued a restraining order prohibiting Fisler from having any contact with the victim. In a court appearance on Wednesday, she only spoke to confirm her identity, and she is currently in custody while the judge deliberates on whether she can be released on bail.
If found guilty, the most serious charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while both second-degree charges carry a maximum of 10 years.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, http://www.victimsupport.org.uk
