Woman charged with sex crimes involving an Ohio parochial school student

CINCINNATI, Ohio – A former teacher at a southwest Ohio parochial school faces six felony charges after authorities say she engaged in inappropriate sexual activity with a student, including having sex with him in the school building.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said Emily Nutley, 42, worked as a teacher/instructor at St. Xavier High School, a parochial school in Springfield Township, overseeing a program to assist students with learning disabilities. Nutley no longer works at the school.

“This is absolutely unacceptable and reprehensible behavior by an adult towards a minor child,” Powers said in a statement. “This child needed help and guidance, but instead she found an adult willing to fulfill her perverted sexual desires.”

In fall 2023, Nutley worked with a 17-year-old student as part of the program. She soon began contacting the student after school, sending him sexually explicit text messages and nude photos, Powers said in a news release.

Powers said the physical relationship between Nutley and the student began in November 2023. Nutley is accused of performing oral sex on the victim on at least one occasion on the St. Patrick High School campus. Xavier, as well as at least once off campus. Nutley is also accused of having sex with the victim in her office at school after school ended.

Powers said the victim tried to end the meetings, but Nutley continued to contact him via text message.

An internal investigation by high school administrators revealed Nutley’s inappropriate behavior, Powers said. Officials contacted police, which led to criminal charges. Nutley was fired after an investigation.

Nutley is charged with six counts of sexual harassment, a third-degree felony. If convicted on all charges, she could be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.

“Let me be clear: this is child sexual abuse,” Powers said. “This child was the victim of an adult predator who should never again play a role that involved contact with children. She used this child for her own sexual satisfaction, while taking advantage of her position. My office will review this case fully and thoroughly to ensure justice is served.”