FREEHOLD – Allison Havemann-Niedrach, a former special education teacher at Freehold Intermediate School, recently appeared in Monmouth Superior Court on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The August 8 hearing, presided over by Judge Christie Bevacqua, marked the first court appearance since her initial detention hearing.
Havemann-Niedrach remains remanded to home detention at her parents’ house as ordered by Superior Court Judge Vincent N. Falcetano. This decision stemmed from allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an eighth-grade student during her employment at Freehold Intermediate School.
Both her husband and elderly parents accompanied Havemann-Niedrach to court and sat quietly during the brief legal proceedings. When approached for comment, attorney Thomas Huth of the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall declined to speak on behalf of his client.
Assistant Prosecutor Katherine Butler appeared for the state for this hearing, where the matter was referred to the Pre-Indictment Conferencing (PIC) Unit. This step often determines whether a case will proceed to trial or be downgraded and remanded to municipal court. In Havemann-Niedrach’s case, the allegations are severe enough that they have been forwarded to a Grand Jury for further review.
Girls Scouts Distance Themselves
The charges against Havemann-Niedrach have drawn significant international attention, with coverage in high profile publications such as People Magazine and the New York Post, not only because of their nature but also due to her previous standing in the community. Before the allegations, she was an active member of local organizations and had even been honored as one of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s “2017 Phenomenal Women Under 40.” This accolade highlighted her contributions to the community, making the current accusations even more shocking.
Carla Scarabino, Chief Development Officer of the organization, issued a public statement in response to media coverage that linked Havemann-Niedrach with the Girl Scouts.
“We want to make it unequivocally clear that Ms. Havemann-Niedrach is no longer associated with Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore,” wrote Scarabino. “The individual in question has not been a member of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore since September 2023, and we have no further affiliation with them (sic).”
Scarabino went on to emphasize that Havemann-Niedrach’s recognition was nearly seven years ago and that the organization is committed to the safety and well-being of its members. She assured the public that the Girl Scouts have thoroughly reviewed and reinforced their safeguarding policies in response to the allegations.
“We take these allegations very seriously and have reviewed and reinforced our own safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that our members are safe and protected,” Scarbino’s statement continued. “We understand the distress and concern that this news may cause and are always available to answer concerns or provide information related to this matter.”
Scarabino invited anyone with questions or concerns to contact GSJS CEO, Heather Coburn via email at hcoburn@gsfun.org.
Plea For Assistance
The charges against Havemann-Niedrach have had a ripple effect on her husband and two children. Havemann-Niedrach’s husband, Eric Niedrach has publicly appealed for financial assistance by way of a crowdfunding site.
In a plea for funds, Eric disclosed that the couple’s older daughter has been placed in the care of her biological father. Eric expressed concern about maintaining consistency in their younger daughter’s life, mentioning the ongoing costs of her Taekwondo and gymnastics training.
“I have cut back on every expense that I can, and with our oldest daughter living with her dad this school year,” wrote Eric. “That leaves our little one without her sister and her mother.”
The campaign created on July 27 has only brought in $25 in donations despite its goal of $4,000.
It is important to remember that the charges against Havemann-Niedrach are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless she pleads or is proven guilty in a court of law.
