NJ Teacher Accused of Student Abuse Denied Bail

Ashley Fisler, a former New Jersey middle school teacher, will remain in custody after being accused of sexually abusing a student over several years. Fisler, 36, appeared via video from jail, visibly emotional, as Judge William Ziegler ruled she posed a risk to the community if released before trial.

Fisler is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old student six times and continuing to exchange sexually explicit messages for years. Prosecutors presented 7,500 pages of texts detailing alleged grooming, manipulation, and inappropriate conduct. Some messages reportedly referenced sexual encounters, explicit photos, and requests for the student to describe sexual activity with peers.

The court heard that the teenager attempted to end contact multiple times, but Fisler allegedly continued messaging. One text from Jan. 2, 2025 stated: “I have to try really hard to rebuild the things you broke inside of me. You destroyed things inside of me. You stripped me of your innocence.”

Prosecutor Kylie Finley said the texts aligned with the victim’s account and indicated Fisler may have sent inappropriate messages to other students. Fisler resigned from teaching in 2023.

Defense attorney Rocco Cipparone argued the texts were taken out of context and emphasized there was no physical abuse evidence. Judge Ziegler found the state’s evidence sufficiently strong to deny pretrial release.

Fisler faces six counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of official misconduct, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, with a potential 20-year sentence for the top charge. She is scheduled to return to court on May 14.