Teacher Arrested in Alleged Atlantic City $1,250 Theft

Amanda Crafts, 35, a former New Jersey middle-school computer teacher, and Veda Engel, 23, were arrested after a man alleged they took $1,250 from his Apple Pay account in a casino hotel room. The complaint states Engel invited the man to the room and began a sex act, then used his facial recognition to unlock his phone and make four transfers while Crafts held him down. Both face second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit robbery; Engel is also charged with prostitution. Crafts is no longer employed by the school district. Crafts' attorney denies she restrained the man or knew of any plan to steal, saying she was distracted by her phone and went out to party. The complaint's restraint claim and that denial conflict on her role. No court outcome, trial date, or further statement from Engel is in the record.