A middle school guidance counselor in Norwalk, Connecticut, was jailed after allegedly sexually assaulting a male pupil.
Police have been investigating since April 30, when a complaint was filed alleging that a Norwalk public school employee was having an inappropriate connection with a pupil.
They concluded that 47-year-old Luisa Melchionne, a guidance counselor at Nathan Hale Middle School, was sexually involved with a male student, and an arrest warrant was obtained for her, police said.
Melchionne, a New Canaan resident, was arrested on Thursday and charged with second-degree sexual assault and two charges of risk of injury to a minor.
She is no longer employed with Norwalk Public Schools.
According to the arrest warrant, Melchionne exchanged sexual texts with a pupil on her cell phone and gave the student money.
According to the warrant, the student told authorities that Melchionne had sent him nude images.
As police investigated further, the student informed them Melchionne touched him and did other sexual activities with the door closed and the blinds drawn down for privacy, according to the arrest warrant.
The student informed authorities that the money was for Uber rides and meals and that she had also given him $100 for Christmas in 2023.
“The safety of our pupils is our primary concern. Luisa Melchionne is no longer employed by Norwalk Public School. According to a statement from Norwalk Public Schools, the district is working with the Norwalk Police Department’s investigation and has no additional comment.
Melchionne’s bond amount was set at $500,000. Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 6 as per nbcconnecticut.
Melchionne’s attorney issued this statement Thursday evening:
“Luisa remains entitled to the presumption of innocence. These are only accusations. What we do know is that these charges are being filed against a committed wife and mother who has spent over 20 years in her profession, and it will take some time to investigate this case,” Mark Sherman said in the statement.