Veteran Teacher Speaks Out: Ann Marie Pocklembo Alleges Assault by Edison Mayor

Edison, NJ (June 6, 2025) — Ann Marie Pocklembo, a respected educator with 32 years of service, has publicly accused Edison Township’s Mayor Samip Joshi of sexually assaulting her in June 2020. Her detailed account, presented in a letter to her fellow residents, has ignited fresh scrutiny amid ongoing local elections and questions surrounding accountability from elected officials. 

A Trusted Friendship Turns Traumatic

Pocklembo describes forging an online connection with Joshi during the early days of the COVID‑19 pandemic, when he held the position of Vice President of the Edison Council. She felt a sense of trust in him as an elected leader offering guidance during the lockdown. 

In June 2020, as restrictions eased, Pocklembo accepted Joshi’s invitation to his home for what was framed as a casual social engagement. She recalls being served mixed drinks and becoming violently ill—so incapacitated she couldn’t drive home. Instead of helping her, Pocklembo says Joshi sexually assaulted her, taking advantage of her vulnerable state. Since then, she has endured both physical complications requiring medical intervention and deep emotional distress. 

The Fallout: Seeking Answers and Facing Denial

Following the incident, Pocklembo reported it to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, but alleges she was blocked from accessing the final investigative report. Her OPRA request to see an incident report related to retaliation at her home was denied. Despite the reported investigation closing in September 2022, officials concluded Joshi’s conduct did not violate the law. 

Moreover, Pocklembo attempted privately on several occasions to seek clarity and apology from Joshi—none were acknowledged. Meanwhile, Joshi ascended to the mayoralty and currently serves as public safety director, raising profound concerns for Pocklembo about public trust and the safety of residents under his leadership. 

Public and Political Reactions

In her letter dated May 26, 2025, Pocklembo urges residents to recognize her as more than a figure in a political campaign—equating her experience with what any daughter, mother, or wife might endure. She announced her intention was not motivated by politics but by the imperative of truth and accountability, emphasizing the emotional toll of encountering campaign signs such as “Women for Joshi” that she believes undermine her allegations. 

In response, former Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Joyce Ship‑Freeman expressed deep support. “My heart broke reading Ann Marie’s letter… No woman should go through the trauma she describes. I stand with her,” she wrote, condemning Joshi’s actions and demanding accountability. 

Prosecutor’s Office and Political Implications

In a letter dated January 9, 2025, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone informed attorney Richard Flaum that a thorough investigation concluded with no criminal charges against Joshi and the closure of the file in September 2022. 

However, Pocklembo’s detailed account and claims about retaliation have renewed calls for transparency. Residents and voter blocs are increasingly demanding that Joshi address the allegations directly.

What’s Ahead

Public Response from the Mayor: To date, Mayor Joshi’s office and Chief of Staff Bob Diehl have not responded to multiple requests for comment or clarification on Pocklembo’s allegations. Legal Review Possibilities: The reopening of the case has not been confirmed. Yet, Pocklembo’s detailed narrative and public support may prompt renewed legal or administrative review. Electoral Impact: With municipal elections approaching, this revelation could significantly influence voter sentiment and campaign dynamics.

Why It Matters

This story extends beyond one individual—it’s a profound reminder of a community’s responsibility to listen, validate, and adapt. As a long‑standing educator and leader in Edison, Pocklembo’s decision to share her story reflects the courage survivors often summon in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Conclusion:

Ann Marie Pocklembo’s public disclosure forces a reckoning in Edison about leadership, accountability, and the enduring impact of trauma. Regardless of legal outcomes, this narrative challenges the township: How will it ensure safety, integrity, and trust for all residents—especially those who suffer in silence?