Washington Township teacher faces 8 charges in alleged sexual relationship with student
Woodbury, NJ – A former Washington Township middle school teacher has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving a minor, following an investigation triggered by a victim’s disclosure earlier this year, prosecutors announced.
Update: Teacher accused of luring and grooming child inside her vehicle and inside classroom.
Ashley A. Fisler, 36, of Washington Township, was taken into custody Thursday and is facing eight charges, including six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor. She is also charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree official misconduct, according to Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns.
Authorities said the case began on Jan. 23, when the victim—now an adult—reported an alleged unlawful sexual relationship that occurred while they were a student at Orchard Valley Middle School in 2021. Investigators allege the encounters took place both inside Fisler’s classroom and in her vehicle.
Investigation cites messages and prior relationship
According to prosecutors, the victim described multiple incidents during the time Fisler was employed as their teacher. Investigators later uncovered text messages between Fisler and the victim that allegedly confirmed the nature of the relationship.
Key Points
- Former Washington Township teacher charged with six counts of sexual assault of a minor
- Alleged incidents occurred in 2021 at Orchard Valley Middle School and in a vehicle
- Defendant is being held pending a court appearance scheduled for Thursday
Fisler is no longer employed as a teacher in Washington Township or elsewhere, officials said. She is currently being held at Salem County Jail pending a first court appearance scheduled for Thursday.
If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in state prison for each first-degree charge and up to 10 years for each second-degree charge.
Prosecutor Johns credited the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims and High-Tech Crimes Units, along with the Washington Township Police Department, for their roles in the investigation.
Officials emphasized that the charges are accusations, and Fisler is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
