A civil sexual abuse trial in New Jersey involves 56-year-old Camden School Advisory Board President, Wasim Muhammad, who is accused of sexually abusing a former student when she was a minor. The alleged abuse began when he was her 7th-grade teacher and continued for several years. The plaintiff, now 45 years old, claims Muhammad took her to a porn theater and made her have sex with a stranger while he watched. Muhammad has denied these accusations and has described them as “heinous.” He also delved into his unconventional marital relationships, revealing that he has six “religious wives,” four of whom he met when they were 18 years old.
Muhammad testified in court that he married the plaintiff in 1997, but the plaintiff denies that they were ever married. He also explained that his marriages are in accordance with his Islamic faith, with his legal marriage being to his high school sweetheart, Stephanie. He admitted to marrying four other women, including one he met when she was 18 and working at a local mall. Muhammad’s relationships have sparked controversy and questions about his behavior, with the plaintiff’s lawyer pointing out a pattern in his relationships with younger women.
The plaintiff expressed her confusion and hurt over the alleged abuse, questioning why Muhammad would do such things to a 13-year-old girl. The trial has put a spotlight on Muhammad’s personal life, including his unusual marital arrangements and the allegations of sexual abuse. While Muhammad has been a longstanding member of the Camden school board, he has been on a leave of absence since January. The trial is expected to conclude with closing arguments on Thursday, shedding light on the accusations against Muhammad and his denials of any wrongdoing.
Throughout the trial, Muhammad has maintained his innocence and refuted the accusations of sexual abuse. He described the allegations as false and denied any abusive behavior towards the plaintiff. However, the plaintiff has stood by her claims, recounting the traumatic experiences she allegedly endured at the hands of Muhammad. The trial has drawn attention to Muhammad’s personal life, with his polygamous marital relationships coming under scrutiny in addition to the abuse allegations.
Despite the controversy surrounding Muhammad, he has continued to serve on the Camden school board, where he has been a member for over a decade. His leave of absence following the allegations of sexual abuse has raised concerns about his position on the board and the impact of the trial on his reputation. The outcome of the trial will determine the credibility of the accusations against Muhammad and the implications for his role in the school board. The closing arguments in the civil trial will bring the case to a conclusion, providing clarity on the allegations and the testimonies presented during the proceedings.