'Outrageous And Defamatory' Accusations Against Marlboro Teacher False, Attorney Says

MARLBORO, NJ — A Marlboro middle school teacher accused of inappropriately touching a student has had "a very close relationship" with the family for three years, according to the teacher's attorney.

Jenna Sciabica, 38, a special education teacher at Marlboro Memorial Middle School, was charged Friday with one count of harassment-offensive touching, a petty disorderly persons offense, in connection with a March 13 incident in the hallway at the school, Marlboro police said.

Sciabica's attorney, Mitchell Ansell of Ocean Township, called the accusations against her outrageous.

"There was nothing illegal, improper or immoral about the interaction between Jenna and this student on March 13, 2024," he said. "Quite frankly, it's outrageous and defamatory for Jenna to have been accused of committing a crime."

Sciabica "has been dedicated to the education of students for over 15 years. She has never had any prior allegations and/or accusations filed against her and has an exemplary record," Ansell said.

The accusations became public during the April 16 Marlboro Township Board of Education meeting, when the girl's mother made the allegations during public comment.

The mother said the incident happened in view of the cameras in the hallway and that another staff member witnessed the act. Read more: Teacher Molested Girl On Camera In Marlboro School Hallway, Mom Says

The mother also alleged the district knew of other incidents with other students and had not taken action against Sciabica.

Ansell, in a written statement, called the accusations "false and baseless," and said Sciabica and the girl "have known each other for three years. Jenna has a very close relationship with the student's family, even going as far as having been invited into their home on numerous occasions."

"Jenna intends to plead not guilty and vigorously defend herself in court," Ansell said. "We are confident that once a judge hears all the facts in this case, Jenna will be completely exonerated and her good name, character and reputation will be restored."

Marlboro Township Police Capt. Steven Levy said the police department was notified on March 13 about the incident by school administration and said Sciabica was placed on leave and would not be returning to the middle school.

Levy said the investigation included interviews, reviewing school security camera footage and getting written statements and Marlboro police consulted with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office before charging Sciabica. Read more: Marlboro Middle School Teacher Charged With Offensive Touching Of Student

Ansell said Sciabica and her family have been subjected to bomb and death threats in the wake of the April 16 school board meeting.

Bomb threats to Marlboro Middle School and the Marboro school board offices prompted the district to close on Thursday and have a delayed opening on Friday.

Sciabica had submitted her resignation and it was on the school board's agenda on April 16 for action, but the board delayed a vote on it to discuss whether to pursue tenure charges. The board has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, April 25, for additional discussion in executive session, according to a notice on the district's website.

Under tenure proceedings, the teacher could potentially lose her pension if the state tenure board agrees, but it is not a guaranteed outcome and would require keeping her on the payroll until the matter is decided.