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Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella added Friday that Christine Knudsen, 44, is also accused of sharing drugs with the student.
Knudsen, who teaches fine arts, remained held in the Bergen County Jail following her arrest by detectives from the prosecutor's office.
She's charged with sexual assault by a supervisor of a victim 16-17 years old and two counts of child endangerment.
The arrest stemmed from "an incident that allegedly occurred several years ago," Fair Lawn Schools Supt. Nicholas J. Norcia wrote in an email to the community.
District officials "do not understand there to be any allegations of current misconduct, and law enforcement has made clear that it does not consider any current students at risk of harm, in any way," Norcia added (see the full message below).
Dear Fair Lawn Community,
I apologize for reaching out to you tonight with this message, however I was just notified by the Bergen County Prosecutor's that a current Fair Lawn High School teacher was arrested and charged with allegations of inappropriate contact with a former student, on account of an incident that allegedly occurred several years ago. We do not understand there to be any allegations of current misconduct, and law enforcement has made clear that it does not consider any current students at risk of harm, in any way. As with all matters involving law enforcement, our school district has and will continue to fully cooperate. On account of the confidential and personnel nature of the allegations, our school district cannot provide more specific information or answer any additional questions, at this time.
Please know that I am here for you as Superintendent and once again I apologize for this message tonight.
Sincerely,
Nicholas J. Norcia, Superintendent of Schools
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