Conestoga High School Teacher Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student, Facing 63 Criminal Counts

Conestoga High School Teacher Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student, Facing 63 Criminal Counts

Last Updated May - 01 - 2025, 05:17 PM | Source : Fela News

Michelle Mercogliano, a Chester County teacher, faces 63 charges including sexual assault and drug distribution involving a 16-year-old student. Investigation o

Michelle Mercogliano, a 35-year-old special education teacher at Conestoga High School in Chester County, is facing serious criminal charges for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student. Authorities charged her on Wednesday with 63 counts, including institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, and illegal drug distribution.

The investigation began earlier this week after the student’s family contacted law enforcement. The teenager claimed that he and Mercogliano had sexual encounters around a dozen times since February, many of which allegedly occurred at her parent's residence in Malvern, according to the Tredyffrin Township police report. The complaint also states that Mercogliano bought medical marijuana for the student about 15 times from a Phoenixville dispensary, and the two used Snapchat to communicate secretly.

Mercogliano, who joined Conestoga High School in the fall of 2024, previously taught at Hillside Elementary and served as a paraprofessional at Valley Forge and Hillside schools. She also teaches Italian as an adjunct professor at Immaculata University.

The Tredyffrin Easttown School District has placed her on leave. Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick stressed the district’s commitment to student safety and urged anyone with relevant information to contact police. Though not yet in custody, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Mercogliano is cooperating and plans to surrender with her attorney. DA Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing that such breaches of trust will not be tolerated.

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