A Jersey Shore teacher, Jessica Sawicki, has been accused of engaging in sexual activity with a student in a nature preserve near the school where she teaches. The incidents allegedly occurred at the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Upper Freehold Township, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from Hamilton High School West in Trenton. Sawicki and the student were caught by New Jersey Fish and Wildlife officers in a state of undress on multiple occasions.
According to authorities, Sawicki admitted that she had engaged in unprotected sex with the teen at least five times since December in the wildlife management area. The encounters reportedly took place in the back seat of the teen’s car. The teen involved was described as being at least 16 but not yet 18 years old. Sawicki, who is married, had taught English at the school for seven years and expressed her enjoyment of working with students on her now-deleted teacher profile page.
Sawicki was arrested and is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending a detention hearing. The school district placed her on administrative leave from her teaching position, which pays $41,000 a year. The district stated that they took immediate action upon learning of the allegations and fully cooperated with the prosecutor’s office during their investigation. The school officials emphasized that the alleged incident does not reflect the professionalism and standards expected of their employees and that they have zero tolerance for actions that could harm students.
Sawicki faces charges of five counts of second-degree sexual assault and five counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Her profile was removed from the school’s website following her arrest. The school district confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest that any of the alleged incidents took place on school property. Attempts to reach Sawicki or her family for comment were unsuccessful. The case has sparked outrage and concern in the community over the safety and wellbeing of students in schools. Authorities are continuing to investigate the matter to ensure justice is served.
