Woman charged with sex crimes involving an Ohio parochial school student

CINCINNATI, Ohio – A former instructor at a Southwest Ohio parochial school is facing six felony charges after authorities say she was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, including having sex with the student while she was on the school premises .

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, where she oversaw a program to help students struggling with academics. Nutley no longer works for the school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Let me be very clear: this is child sexual abuse,” Powers said. “This child was the victim of an adult predator who should never again be allowed to play a role that would bring her into contact with children. She used this child for her own sexual gratification while abusing the position she held. My office will prosecute this case fully and thoroughly to ensure that justice is served.”