A New Jersey teacher faces allegations related to a prostitution scheme that involved restraining a man and robbing him at a casino hotel. The New Jersey Department of Corrections identified the suspect as Amanda Crafts, a 35-year-old computer teacher at Middle Township Middle School.
Her friend, Veda Engel, aged 23, was also charged in the incident on October 9. Engel has a previous history of prostitution-related charges, dating back to last December, as reported by Breaking AC.
According to the police, the victim met the two women in a bar at a resort in Atlantic City. After exchanging numbers, he joined them in their hotel room. Inside the room, the women allegedly undressed the victim and restrained him to the bed. Engel then performed sexual acts on him. Afterward, she stated, “That’s what you get for $1,250,” according to the complaint.
While Crafts held the victim, Engel allegedly used facial recognition to access his phone and made four Apple Pay transactions totaling $1,250. The transactions were reportedly done without the victim’s consent.
During her court appearance, Crafts said she was a teacher and had never been arrested before, stating, “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” She has four children and taught computers at the middle school.
The school district confirmed Crafts’ arrest and her dismissal, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and well-being. Superintendent Stephanie DeRose stated, “Our responsibility is to protect our students and ensure those entrusted with their care meet our standards.”
Engel, employed at SoFresh SoClean Commercial Cleaning, has previously encountered law enforcement for similar offenses. Last year, she allegedly offered an undercover detective sex for $1,000.
Both Crafts and Engel were released from detention on October 15 with pretrial release conditions, including regular court check-ins.