Officials have suspended a Toms River teacher with pay after she said she was the victim of a sexual assault.

East Dover Intermediate School in Toms River
East Dover Intermediate School in Toms River (Toms River School District)
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Toms River School Superintendent Frank Roselli said in a letter to parents that the suspension was in the best interest of the teacher, students and staff, pending a thorough investigation.

Retired marine police officer Bruce Figular is charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact.

Authorities say the 50-year-old impersonated a police officer to enter Toms River Intermediate East school and assaulted the teacher on Jan. 14.

His attorney claims Figular just gave the teacher a hug as their relationship ended.

The teacher's attorney, Bradley Billhimer, told the Asbury Park Press in a prepared statement that the suspect's claim was false and the teacher's suspension was unfortunate because she's the victim.

“Suspension of any employee that comes forward to report a crime has the potential to have a chilling effect on the criminal justice system,” he said. “We understand the concern of the parents of the children that attend Intermediate East, and we are hopeful that this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably.”

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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