Special Education Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault of Teenage Student
A 45-year-old special education teacher has confessed to engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old boy, following an investigation that revealed she sent him approximately 25,000 text messages. Allison Havemann-Niedrach, a mother of two from Jackson, Ocean County, entered a guilty plea to one count of aggravated sexual assault, which could result in a 12-year prison sentence.
Prosecution Seeks Lifetime Supervision and Registration
Prosecutors in Monmouth County, New Jersey, are pursuing additional penalties, including lifetime supervision and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Her teaching certificates have been revoked, effectively ending her career in education. The case highlights severe breaches of trust in a school setting.
Details of the Case and Initial Charges
Havemann-Niedrach previously worked at Freehold Intermediate School, where the inappropriate relationship began in early 2024. She was initially charged with seven offenses, such as:
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Endangering the welfare of a child through the manufacture of child abuse materials
- Multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- Official misconduct
- Sexual assault
As part of a plea agreement, the additional charges will be dismissed, streamlining the legal process.
Investigation Triggered by School Reports
Police launched an investigation in June 2024 after the school's vice principal reported concerns about Havemann-Niedrach's behavior. A colleague informed authorities that they had observed her rubbing the student's back, flirting with him, and touching his leg. The boy reportedly told friends he was in a relationship with the married teacher.
Evidence Contradicts Initial Denials
When questioned by police, the teenager initially claimed he was dating the teacher's daughter and insisted nothing inappropriate had occurred. However, investigators later recovered thousands of messages from his phone, including photos, videos, and footage of sexual conduct, which contradicted his earlier statements. Prosecutors described Havemann-Niedrach as obsessed with the teen.
Confession and Relationship Timeline
Days later, the child was brought to a police station, where he admitted to having sex with Havemann-Niedrach, who is 30 years older than him. He revealed that the sexual relationship started in January 2024 and that encounters took place at her home and in hotels. Havemann-Niedrach had been on home confinement in Jackson after posting bail following her initial arrest.
Background and Community Impact
Before the allegations emerged, Havemann-Niedrach was considered an active community member. She began working at Freehold Intermediate in March 2022 and was previously recognized by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore as one of their Phenomenal Women Under 40 in 2017. Following the charges, the organization publicly severed ties with her, stating she was no longer associated with them.
This case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding students and maintaining professional boundaries in educational environments, with legal consequences now unfolding for the accused teacher.
