FREEHOLD – A former New Jersey Freehold Intermediate School teacher pleaded guilty today to first-degree aggravated sexual assault, admitting under oath that she engaged in repeated sexual acts with a 15-year-old student while employed as a special education teacher.
Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 45, of Jackson Township, entered the plea before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill Grace O’Malley, resolving a case that had previously included charges of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct.
Under the negotiated plea agreement placed on the record by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, Havemann-Niedrach pleaded guilty to a single count of aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree crime. The state will recommend a 12-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act, which requires that 85 percent of the term be served before parole eligibility.
In exchange, prosecutors will move to dismiss the remaining charges at sentencing and she avoids going to trial.
Facts Of The Case
During the plea hearing, defense attorney Matthew Mordas led Havemann-Niedrach through the factual basis for the offense, questioning her under oath about the conduct underlying the charge.
Mordas confirmed that between January and June of 2024, Havemann-Niedrach was employed as a teacher and came into contact with the juvenile victim through her position at the school. She said he was not her direct student, but acknowledged her position as a teacher would be perceived as placing her in a supervisory role.
Turning to the specific conduct, Mordas asked, “And while in the Township of Freehold, the two of you engaged in sexual conduct that included sexual penetration, correct?”
Havemann-Niedrach responded, “Yes.”
Mordas then questioned her about a second location, asking, “And that sexual conduct also occurred in Jackson Township and included sexual penetration, correct?” Once again, Havemann-Niedrach answered in the affirmative.
Addressing a third incident, Mordas continued, “And lastly, while at a hotel in East Windsor Township, you and the juvenile engaged in sexual conduct that included sexual penetration, correct?”
Havemann-Niedrach responded, “Yes.”
She further acknowledged that the victim was 15 years old at the time of the offenses and that, although he was not her direct student, she held a supervisory role by virtue of her position as a teacher at the school.
Court Reviews Consequences Of Plea
Before accepting the plea, Judge O’Malley questioned the former teacher to ensure Havemann-Niedrach understood the consequences of the conviction.
The judge reviewed mandatory penalties, including Megan’s Law registration, parole supervision for life, and the No Early Release Act. She also ordered a list of monetary penalties associated with the guilty plea. O’Malley further explained that Havemann-Niedrach could face civil commitment proceedings following completion of her prison sentence if she is deemed a sexually violent offender, advising that she “may be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for referral for civil commitment to another facility” following incarceration.
O’Malley further advised that Havemann-Niedrach would be required to undergo an evaluation by the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel prior to sentencing to determine whether her conduct was characterized by repetitive and compulsive behavior.
As part of the plea and pending sentencing, the court ordered that Havemann-Niedrach is to have no contact with the victim and no contact with other children, a condition that takes effect immediately and remains in place moving forward.
O’Malley entered an order for the immediate forfeiture of public employment, permanently barring Havemann-Niedrach from holding any position of public trust in New Jersey. This includes the revocation of any teaching certificates she holds.
“That order is effective today,” Judge O’Malley said from the bench, warning that the disqualification is permanent.
Sentencing Scheduled
The court found that Havemann-Niedrach entered the plea knowingly and voluntarily, with a full understanding of both the direct and collateral consequences.
Sentencing was scheduled for May 7 at 9 a.m. Havemann-Niedrach was warned that failure to appear for sentencing or for the required evaluations would result in a warrant for her arrest.
If the court follows the state’s recommendation, Havemann-Niedrach faces more than a decade in state prison before becoming eligible for parole, followed by lifetime supervision.
