Former Long Branch Schools Employee Accuses Superintendent of Committing Sexual Offenses

A former Long Branch Board of Education secretary is suing the board and Superintendent of Schools Joe Ferraina, alleging several sexual offenses.

When contacted, Ferraina denied the secretary's allegations.

"I intend to defend myself vigorously against this unfounded accusation which was made in a press release in a civil suit in an effort to cause me personal harm and extract money," Ferraina said. "I intend to take this seriously, and we (Ferraina and the board of education) will be exonerating these malicious and hurtful charges."

In the lawsuit, the former employee claims these sexual offenses took place on multiple occasions in Ferraina's office during work hours. The employee said the first offense occurred in 2004 when Ferraina allegedly forced his way into the employee's apartment.

The complaint states that the employee had a "complete breakdown resulting from the actions of Ferraina," on May 17, 2010, and has been unable to work since.

The employee is seeking an unspecified amount of damages, claiming she suffered while working in a "hostile work environment created by Ferraina and the school board."

This is a breaking news story, check back later for more updates and details.