Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges
Teacher Jenna Sciabica was charged on Friday with one count of harassment-offensive touching.
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A Marlboro teacher has been charged in connection with what police have deemed the “unwanted touching” of a 13-year-old student.
The student’s mother came forward at a school board meeting Tuesday night with a shocking allegation. She said a teacher “groped” her daughter in a hallway at Marlboro Memorial Middle School last month. To protect the student’s privacy, News 12 has agreed not to mention her name or her mother’s.
Now, Marlboro police have charged the teacher, Jenna Sciabica, with one count of harassment by offensive touching, a disorderly person's offense that carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail. Sciabica is no longer employed by Marlboro schools.
The Marlboro school district insists it had no idea any inappropriate behavior might have been going on.
RELATED: Parent accuses Marlboro teacher of sexually assaulting, molesting her 13-year-old daughter
The student’s mother declined to be interviewed following the charges but issued a written statement saying, “While we are happy that action is finally being taken, we are disappointed at the charge.”
She adds, “It seems like they rushed to make it seem like they’re doing something. We are hopeful they will do the right thing for our family and community.”
Marlboro police say the incident took place on March 13. Sciabica was charged on April 19.
An attorney for Sciabiaca wrote in a statement, "Jenna 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.
Jenna and the student in question have known each other for 3 years. Jenna has a very close relationship with this student's family, even going as far as having been invited into their home on numerous occasions.
There was absolutely nothing illegal, improper or immoral about the interaction between Jenna and this student on March 13, 2024. Quite frankly, it's outrageous and defamatory for Jenna to have been accused of committing a crime.
Sadly, as a result of these false and baseless accusations, Jenna and her family have been the victim of bomb and death threats.
Jenna intends to plead not guilty and vigorously defend herself in court. 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 be restored."
