Harrah’s Atlantic City Sex Robbery: NJ Teacher Resigns, Denies Wrongdoing

A New Jersey middle school teacher accused of helping rob a man inside Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City was simply looking for a night out and had no idea a prostitution-related encounter was taking place, according to her attorney.

Amanda Crafts, 35, of Wildwood, N.J., was arrested on Oct. 9 and charged with theft and conspiracy to commit robbery in relation to an incident in which a man was stripped and “physically restrained” on a bed while another woman, Veda Engel, 23, allegedly performed a sex act, according to a criminal complaint.

Engel, who is also charged with prostitution in the case, abruptly stopped, allegedly declaring, “That’s what you get for $1,250,” the complaint claims.

Crafts allegedly held the man down while Engel used his face to unlock his phone and steal $1,250, investigators allege.

‘Only There to Party’

But Crafts’ attorney, Charles Peruto Jr., claims the police have it all wrong.

“I truly believe that she was there to party,” Peruto told BreakingAC.

He claimed Crafts voluntarily surrendered her cell phone to police to demonstrate she had been online throughout the encounter, rather than participating in the alleged robbery.

He said statements from the two defendants indicated they had only met that evening, adding that Crafts had gone out to enjoy herself and was unaware of any arrangement involving sex for money.

He insisted his client had nothing to do with the alleged theft and dismissed the complainant’s account.

“I can’t wait to cross-examine this idiot,” he added.

‘Wrong Place at the Wrong Time’

Crafts, a mother of four who taught computer classes at Middle Township Middle School, has resigned from her position, Peruto confirmed.

The school district previously informed parents that she was no longer employed but had not specified whether she resigned or was dismissed.

During an earlier court appearance, Crafts insisted she had never previously been arrested and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Both defendants were released from custody October 15 under pretrial supervision. They must report to the court every other week and are prohibited from contacting each other or the alleged victim.

Engel also faces a separate pending prostitution charge stemming from an alleged encounter with an undercover police officer at Borgata in December 2025.

Peruto said Crafts would not accept a plea deal and vowed to fight the charges.