A middle school guidance counsellor has been arrested for sexually abusing a minor in Connecticut. (Image for representation only)
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A guidance counsellor at a school in Connecticut, Luisa Melchionne has been accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old child.
Melchionne allegedly sent sexually explicit images and texts to the minor which included nudity.
The accused, a middle school guidance counsellor and a mother of three was arrested on July 11 when her male friend borrowed her phone and discovered the text messages sent to the minor.
The 13-year-old boy allegedly told the police that he received explicit photographs, payments for some Uber rides and food as well as $100 for Christmas.
The minor also added that the counsellor sexually abused him behind closed doors.
India Today reports, Melchionne’s bail was fixed at $500,000, moreover, If she chooses to post bond, she will undergo GPS monitoring, intensive probation services and house arrest. She was also prohibited from contacting any other minor except her own children.
The 47-year-old Melchionne has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and two counts of risk of injury to a minor as per the India Today report.
She also resigned from the Norwalk Public Schools, where she worked.
“The safety of our students is our first concern. Luisa Melchionne is no longer employed by Norwalk Public Schools,” the India Today article mentioned above quoted a statement released by the school.
Further, the article reports that Melchionne’s lawyer also released a statement.
“Luisa is still very much entitled to the presumption of innocence. These are just accusations. What we do know is that these charges are being brought against a devoted wife and mother who has dedicated over 20 years to her profession, and it’s going to take some time to investigate this case,” India Today quoted from the statment.
The investigation began in April after Melchionne's friend contacted the police and informed them that he had found sexually explicit messages sent to the teen on her phone.