A Pennsylvania middle school counselor is accused of having sex with an underage student multiple times, including in her car, at her home, and in the victim’s own bedroom, Fox 29 reports.
On Thursday, authorities in Bucks County charged 35-year-old Kelly Schutte in connection with the allegations, which involved a 14-year-old boy.
Investigators allege that Schutte, a counselor at Pennridge South Middle School, started grooming the student last fall and that the sexual contact continued into summer 2023.
The two allegedly started talking during a field trip when they sat together on a bus. Schutte then began calling the boy to her office during the school day, which led to him missing class. The pair also began using Snapchat to communicate.
Authorities allege that Schutte had sex with the boy in her vehicle near a grocery store, in her home, and in the boy’s bedroom while his family was gone, according to NBC Philadelphia, citing court documents.
On July 17, the boy frantically called his parents asking them to pick him up near Schutte’s home. The boy reportedly told his parents that Schutte’s family member saw him and Schutte kissing, grew angry and told him to get out of the house.
The following day, the boy’s mother called 911 to report that her son disclosed to her he was having a sexual and romantic relationship with Schutte, Fox 29 reports.
Investigators discovered photos of Schutte and the boy together at her home on his phone. Handwritten notes substantiating the boy’s statements also were uncovered.
Pennridge School District Superintendent Angelo Berrios issued a statement after the charges were filed.
“While we refrain from making premature judgments about the actions of the staff member facing prosecution, it is crucial to reiterate the district’s stance against any inappropriate contact between a Pennridge School District employee and a student. Such behavior will NOT be tolerated. We want to assure you that the district is fully cooperating with the District Attorney’s Office,” Berrios said in a statement, according to WPVI-TV.
Community residents said they were disturbed by the allegations. “My stomach turns, it does. And I feel so bad for the child and their family,” Carol Lynch told WPVI-TV.
Another resident, Lisa Law, told the television station: “I hope she pays for it. I feel bad for the parents, too and the kid. That kid has to live with that for the rest of their life.”
Prosecutors have charged Schutte with three counts of institutional sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old and one count of corruption of minors, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Schutte has been released from custody on $25,000 unsecured bail. She is required to have no contact with the victim or his family, is banned from school facilities and is presently on administrative leave.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 20.
A lawyer representing Schutte declined to comment to WPVI-TV.
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[Feature Photo: Kelly Schutte/Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office]
