On 28/8, Allison Havemann-Niedrach, a 45-year-old former special education teacher at Freehold Middle School in New Jersey, was sentenced by the Monmouth County Superior Court to 12 years in prison. The sentence was for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old male student in 2024.

During the sentencing hearing, Allison cried and apologized for her actions. She was visibly moved by the victim's forgiveness. However, the judge sharply criticized the teacher, stating she had "destroyed" the boy, which led the student to contemplate suicide in summer 2024.

Allison Havemann-Niedrach cried at her sentencing hearing. *USA Today*.

According to court records, Allison began approaching the student in fall 2023. She would attend his sports games and buy him gifts, including a sex toy.

The teacher's increasingly unusual attention raised suspicions among colleagues at the school. One teacher told authorities they had observed Allison "rubbing the student's neck and back in circular motions, showing flirtatious behavior, and touching his leg".

Prosecutors stated the teacher and student exchanged approximately 25,000 messages. In court, prosecutors described Allison as seemingly "obsessed".

In 6/2024, the school's vice principal reported the incident to the police.

The student's mother reported seeing her son in the teacher's car. She also noticed he frequently used his phone for extended periods at night. When questioned by his mother, the student initially denied it but later admitted to having sexual intercourse at a hotel and at the defendant's home.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office determined the criminal conduct began in 1/2024 and lasted for about six months. Allison was arrested in 6/2024 and indicted on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

In 1/2026, Allison pleaded guilty to the charge of first-degree aggravated sexual assault. With a 12-year prison sentence, the teacher must serve at least 85% of her term before becoming eligible for parole consideration.

Tue Anh (according to People)