Ex-Mount Olive teacher accused of decades-old sex abuse

A retired Mount Olive Middle School teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old child in Netcong more than 20 years ago.

Criminal complaints filed in Superior Court, Morristown, show that Maria Patamia, 57, of Netcong, was charged May 21 with sexually assaulting a juvenile in Netcong between June 1, 1993 and March 31, 1994.

Patamia, who owns the Italian restaurant Fanucci's Cafe in Netcong with her husband, posted $75,000 bail. As a bail condition, she is not permitted to have contact with anyone under the age of 16.

Patamia could not immediately be reached at her home or through her cell phone. Defense attorney Marcy McMann said that Patamia had an appearance Wednesday in Superior Court where she entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. McMann said she has not yet received complaints or information about the charge but that her client maintains her innocence.

"I have no idea yet as to how this all came about but my client is maintaining her innocence and we will fight the charge," McMann said.

Generally, there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault in New Jersey but McMann said she needs to further research whether the law on sexual assault differed in 1993 and 1994.

The gender of the alleged victim was not stated in the complaint, which alleges digital penetration. The accuser was between the ages of 14 and 15 at the time. The complaint also does not allege the acts were related to Patamia's position as a school teacher.

A message to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office for more information is pending.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettDR.com