New Jersey teacher arrested in Atlantic City robbery and assault case

Amanda Crafts, a 35-year-old computer teacher at Middle Township Middle School, has been dismissed following her arrest in connection with an alleged prostitution and robbery scheme in Atlantic City.

According to police reports, Crafts and 23-year-old Veda Engel met a man at a hotel resort bar on October 9. The victim alleges that once they were in a hotel room, the women stripped him and physically restrained him to a bed. While Engel allegedly forced the victim to engage in sexual acts, Crafts reportedly assisted in holding him down.

Investigators claim the women used the victim’s facial recognition to unlock his phone, enabling Engel to make four Apple Pay transactions totaling $1,250 without his consent. During a court appearance, Crafts claimed she was “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” noting she had no prior criminal record. Both women were released on October 15 under judicial supervision.