Sex-Based Correspondence Leads to Arrest of Former JW Sub

Candace Braun

A former substitute teacher at John Witherspoon Middle School was recently arrested after Township Police discovered that the woman was allegedly engaging in sexually-based correspondence with two male students.

Kathleen Bower, a 28-year-old Plainsboro resident, was arrested and charged with two second degree counts of "endangering the welfare of a minor." She was charged for having correspondence with two 13-year-old male students over the internet and via letters. At this time there is no indication that the woman had inappropriate physical contact with the students, and police are unaware of how the woman first got in contact with them.

Ms. Bower was a substitute modern living teacher and wrestling coach at the middle school during the 2004-2005 school year. According to a press release administered by the Princeton Regional Schools, "for reasons unrelated to these charges, she was not offered a contract and will not be returning to the district in the 2005-2006 school year."

The district first learned about Ms. Bower after she had spoken to another adult about the nature of her correspondence with the students, according to Lt. Michael Henderson of Township Police. This unnamed individual contacted school officials soon after the last day of school on June 16, and the district then contacted the police. Police believe the incidents took place from February through June, and the online conversations took place off of school property.

Superintendent Judy Wilson was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.

Bail was set by Superior Court Judge Maria Sypek at $25,000 with several conditions, including no unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18, and no internet access. The defendant was arraigned on June 28, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with further information concerning this incident should contact the Police Department's Juvenile Bureau, at (609) 921-2100, ext. 803.