A former New Jersey middle school teacher is facing criminal charges following an alleged incident at an Atlantic City hotel involving unauthorized Apple Pay transfers totaling $1,250. The case has attracted attention because of the unusual allegations surrounding a cellphone’s facial recognition technology and the conflicting accounts of what happened inside the hotel room.
Amanda Crafts, 35, formerly worked as a computer teacher at Middle Township Middle School in Cape May County. She was arrested alongside Veda Engel, 23, after an incident reported at Harrah’s Resort on October 9, 2026.
According to a criminal complaint cited by the New York Post, a man told police that he met the two women at a casino before going to a hotel room. He alleged that the encounter took an unexpected turn when his cellphone was taken and four transfers totaling $1,250 were sent through Apple Pay without his authorization.
Investigators allege that Engel used the phone’s facial recognition feature to access the device and complete the transactions. The allegations have not been established as facts in court.
Crafts Disputes The Allegations
Crafts has denied knowingly participating in any wrongdoing. At an initial court appearance, she reportedly told the judge that she believed she had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Her attorney, Charles Peruto Jr., maintains that Crafts thought the group was simply going to a hotel room to continue socializing. He disputes claims that she restrained the man or helped take his money, arguing that she was unaware of any alleged plan.
Engel also faces charges connected to the incident, including robbery and conspiracy. Crafts faces robbery and conspiracy charges as well.
Both women were held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility before being released on October 15, according to published reports.
The investigation now centers on the conflicting accounts of the encounter, the alleged financial transfers and the role each woman may have played.
School District Confirms Her Departure
The case has also affected Crafts’ professional life. She had worked at Middle Township Middle School since 2016.
On October 19, the school district confirmed that she was no longer employed there. Superintendent Stephanie DeRose said the district’s priority remained the safety and well-being of students.
The district also indicated that the allegations did not involve reported misconduct at school or behavior involving students.
The employment decision comes as the criminal case remains unresolved. Crafts’ attorney continues to challenge the allegations against her.
What Happens Next?
Investigators may examine cellphone records, payment information and other evidence to establish how the transfers occurred and whether they were authorized.
The case raises questions about digital privacy and the security of mobile payment systems, but the central issue remains what happened during the reported hotel encounter and whether prosecutors can substantiate the charges against each woman.
For now, Crafts maintains that she did not knowingly participate in the alleged scheme. The accusations against both women remain allegations, and the legal proceedings will determine how the evidence is evaluated.
As the case develops, further details may clarify the circumstances surrounding the encounter and the respective roles of those involved.