State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti has suspended staffer Shae Ashe in the wake of allegations he was posting inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old high school student. Ashe also serves as Norristown Area School Board president, but the school district has declined to comment on the allegations.
The story was first reported by the Delaware Valley Journal on Tuesday.
Ashe, 30, was Cappelletti’s director of constituent services. He is accused of sending inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old Norristown Area High School student last year.
Sara Kelly, a spokeswoman for Cappelletti, said the office can’t comment on the situation because it is an “ongoing personnel matter.” However, she added, “we are taking this very seriously.”
Ironically, Cappelletti was swept into office after “Me Too” allegations were brought against her predecessor, former Sen. Daylin Leach, who lost to her in a Democratic primary last year.
Ashe is married and is a father.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Ashe’s lawyer, Emmett Madden sent DVJournal a statement: “We are aware of the recent allegations against Norristown Area School Board President Shae Ashe. We are happy the Montgomery County District Attorney is investigating these messages and their true origin, and are fully cooperating with their investigation. President Ashe denies any wrongdoing and is confident that this attempt to distract his constituents’ attention from the real issues of this election will fail and hopes he can continue serving Norristown Area School District.”
Earlier in the day, the NASD sent a message to parents reading, “This morning the Norristown Area School District became aware of certain allegations made against the President of our School Board of Directors by a former student. As always the highest priority of our District is the safety and wellness of our students, staff and families. The District understands that the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is investigating this matter. The District will cooperate fully and will have no further comment until the investigation is concluded.”
A spokeswoman for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office would not comment on the record for this story. However, she said that Ashe has not been charged with a crime and is not under investigation at this time.
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