Linwood Middle School Teacher Accused Of Assault Will Be Prosecuted On Municipal Level: Prosecutor

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will prosecute a Linwood middle school teacher from Galloway Township who has been accused of assaulting a student on the municipal level, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said on Thursday.

Kimberly Peschi, 40, a Belhaven Middle School teacher, is charged with fourth-degree cruelty and neglect of child and simple assault and neglect of children after police say she used her leg to pull a 12-year-old student’s chair backward, causing the student to fall backward and hit his head.

The alleged incident took place on Feb. 10. Following an investigation, she was arrested by Linwood Police and charged on Feb. 15. She was issued a summons complaint.

Following a thorough review of the evidence, the Prosecutor’s Office decided that the interests of justice are best met by maintaining jurisdiction in Linwood Municipal Court.

Therefore, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will prosecute the assault on the municipal level where, upon conviction, the offense carries a penalty of up to 6 months imprisonment.

Peschi has been suspended without pay by the school district. She makes $77,501 a year, according to nj.com.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800.