Luisa Melchionne, a middle school guidance counselor in Connecticut, has been arrested on charges of sending nude photos and giving lap dances to a 13-year-old student in her office. The allegations came to light when a friend borrowed Melchionne’s phone and discovered explicit texts she had sent to the minor, according to Connecticut police.
Discovery and arrest
Melchionne, a mother of three, was arrested on July 11. The investigation began months earlier when her male friend, using her phone, found explicit messages to the teen boy. This prompted him to report the findings to the police, leading to the current charges.
On July 11, a judge set Melchionne’s bail at $500,000. If she posts bond, she will be subject to GPS monitoring, intensive probation services, and house arrest. She is prohibited from contacting any minors except her own children. Melchionne faces charges of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of risk of injury to a minor, according to Norwalk police. She has since resigned from Norwalk Public Schools.
Details of the investigation
The investigation revealed that the messages on Melchionne’s phone included explicit photos and financial transactions between her and the boy. Police documents state that the student confirmed receiving nude pictures from Melchionne, along with payments for Uber rides, food, and $100 around Christmas, as reported by NBC Connecticut.
The student further revealed that Melchionne provided “lap dances” and engaged in other sexual activities with him behind closed doors.
The victim was only 13 years old, Prosecutor Paul Ferencek informed the court, as reported by the Norwalk Hour.
“The safety of our students is our first concern. Luisa Melchionne is no longer employed by Norwalk Public Schools,” the school stated, according to NBC Connecticut.
Melchionne’s attorney 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,” Mark Sherman said in the statement.