Ohio School Counselor Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Relationship with Student, Expresses Grief Over Losing Husband, Home, and Friends

Emily Nutley, a 43-year-old former counselor at a prestigious Catholic boys' school in Ohio, was sentenced to three years in prison for engaging in sexual relations with a 17-year-old student. As she stood before the judge, tears filled her eyes while she reflected on the personal toll of her actions, stating, "I've lost my husband, my home, my friends."

Nutley, who had requested probation instead of incarceration, faced the consequences of her actions in Hamilton County Court. The judge's decision came after she admitted to the inappropriate relationship that took place in her office at St. Xavier High School, where she was meant to support at-risk students.

During the sentencing, Nutley acknowledged the gravity of her misconduct, saying, "I crossed a line that should never have been crossed." She expressed remorse for the harm caused to her family and the embarrassment inflicted upon her children, particularly after her husband filed for divorce shortly after the scandal emerged.

Details from court documents revealed that Nutley had sexual encounters with the student multiple times and had threatened self-harm if he attempted to end their relationship. The victim described the emotional turmoil he experienced during the fall 2023 semester, stating that he was unaware he was being exploited at the time.

Prosecutors characterized Nutley's actions as predatory, noting that she had exchanged explicit images with the student and provided him with financial support and academic assistance. They sought a more severe sentence of five years, emphasizing that she "preyed on the most defenseless person she could find."

The victim requested a ten-year sentence for Nutley, asserting that the abuse had irrevocably altered his life. He recounted how her persistent presence haunted him even in public settings, where others would call out her name.

In April, Nutley pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual battery, both classified as third-degree felonies. In addition to her prison term, she will be subject to five years of probation following her release and must register as a Tier III sex offender every 90 days for life.