Pennsylvania police charged a woman on Wednesday with having sex with a teen student on multiple occasions.
Michelle Mercogliano, a 35-year-old special education teacher at Conestoga High School, has been accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old student on 12 occasions in February. Reports from WPVI suggest that most of the incidents took place at Mercogliano’s parents’ residence.
Mercogliano was also accused of purchasing medical marijuana for the student about 15 times.
As per the Daily Voice, the victim disclosed that the inappropriate communication with Mercogliano outside of school hours commenced earlier in the academic year. This interaction began when the student arrived late for school, and Mercogliano sought his Snapchat information through a friend. Allegedly, Mercogliano subsequently messaged the boy on Snapchat and offered him a ride.
The student revealed that he and Mercogliano had their initial sexual encounter at his residence. Additionally, he mentioned that Mercogliano had been providing him with marijuana on a weekly basis since December, as reported by the Daily Voice.
Mercogliano — who has not been arrested — was charged with institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, delivery of a controlled substance, and other related offenses. Chester County prosecutors said she is expected to turn herself in with her lawyer present.
The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District has placed Mercogliano on leave. In a statement issued to WPVI, Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick said they have no indication that the criminal investigation involves other students.
[Feature Photo: LinkedIn]
