CINCINNATI, Ohio — A former instructor at a southwest Ohio parochial school is facing six felony charges after authorities say she was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, including having sex with the student in the school building .

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said Emily Nutley, 42, worked as a teacher/instructor at St. Xavier High School, a parochial school in Springfield Township, overseeing an assistance program for students struggling academically. Nutley no longer works for the school.

“This is absolutely unacceptable and reprehensible behavior by an adult towards a minor child,” Powers said in a statement. “This child needed help and guidance, but he found an adult who was looking to fulfill his perverted sexual desires.”

In the fall of 2023, Nutley was working with a 17-year-old student through the program. She soon began having contact with the student after school, sending him sexually explicit text messages and nude photos, Powers said in a news release.

A physical relationship between Nutley and the student began in November 2023, Powers said. Nutley is accused of having oral sex with the victim at least once on the campus of St. Xavier and also at least once off campus. Nutley is also accused of having sex with the victim in her office at school after school.

Powers said the victim tried to end the meetings, but Nutley continued to contact him via text messages.

An internal investigation by high school administrators revealed Nutley’s inappropriate behavior, Powers said. Officials contacted police, leading to criminal charges. Nutley was fired after the investigation.

Nutley is charged with six counts of sexual assault, a third-degree felony. If convicted of all charges, she could be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.

“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 his position. My office will pursue this matter fully and thoroughly to ensure that justice is done.”