Formerly St. X teacher prosecuted for sexual relationship with student

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A former St. Xavier High School teacher has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced in a news release.

Powers said Emily Nutley, 42, has been charged with six counts of sexual assault, a third-degree felony, for her relationship with a minor. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Powers said Nutley was hired at St. Xavier in the fall of 2023 as a guidance counselor for a program to help students who struggle academically. The 17-year-old student Nutley had a relationship with had been assigned to the program, Powers said.

Nutley began having contact with the student outside of school hours, including sexual text messages and nude photos of himself, Powers said.

In November 2023, Nutley began a physical relationship with the student that included several encounters. Powers said Nutley and the student engaged in sexual activities at St. X’s campus, including after hours in her office at the school, and an additional time off campus.

“When the victim attempted to stop the meetings, Nutley continued to contact the victim via text messages,” Powers said in a news release.

The sexual relationship was brought to light due to an internal investigation by St. X administrators. Springfield Township police then investigated the allegations, leading to the charges. At this time, the prosecution does not believe that there are other victims.

Powers called the sexual abuse “absolutely unacceptable” and “reprehensible”.

“Let me be very clear: this is child sexual abuse,” Powers said. “This child was the victim of an adult predator who should never again have a role that puts her in contact with children. She used this child for her own sexual gratification while taking advantage of the position she held.”

In a statement Monday, St. X that it values ​​its faculty, staff and administration’s commitment to “the safety, well-being and dignity of every student entrusted to our care.”

“We believe this case is an isolated incident. However, if a St. Xavier employee has failed you or someone you know in this regard, we strongly encourage you to contact the Springfield Police Department.”

The school also said you could contact Child Protective Services at 513-241-KIDS or the school president or principal.