OLD BRIDGE: Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Acting Chief Donald Fritz, Jr., of the Old Bridge Police Department announced today that a Howell, New Jersey woman was arrested and charged with inappropriately handling one of her students. 

On April 17, 2023, Detective Ryan Hall of the Old Bridge Police Department and Detective Oscar Ayala of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office conducted an investigation regarding allegations of abuse upon a special needs student at Madison Park Elementary School by teacher, Christine Paduch, 42, of Howell. 

Paduch was arrested without incident and charged with one count of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. On April 18, 2023, Paduch had her initial appearance before Honorable Craig Corson, J.S.C., where she was released from custody with conditions. 

This is an active and ongoing investigation anyone with information is asked to call Detective Hall of the Old Bridge Police Department at (732) 721- 5600 X 3202 or Detective Ayala of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732)745-4194. As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Paduch are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.