Married Ohio school official receives sentence for sexual battery against a 17-year-old student

Ohio School Administrator Sentenced for Sexual Assault

In a troubling case, an Ohio school administrator has been sentenced to three years in prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage student while working as a counselor at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. Emily Natree, aged 43, pleaded guilty to sexual assault back in April and will now be required to register as a Tier 3 sex offender every three months.

Although Ohio law doesn’t mandate specific sentences for such crimes, the family of the victim urged the court to impose the maximum penalty. Prosecutors sought a five-year sentence, while the defense team suggested probation instead.

Details from a memorandum of judgment reveal that Natree started her inappropriate relationship with a male student in late 2023. She allegedly sent explicit photos to the then 17-year-old and had at least four sexual encounters with him.

Interestingly, documents indicate that when the teenager attempted to end the relationship, Natree responded violently, allegedly threatening him and even paying him to remain silent about their encounters.

On October 7, 2024, the student confided in his parents, which eventually led to an internal investigation at the school. By October 11, Natree had been dismissed from her position.

Prosecutors significantly compared Natree to “most pedophiles,” asserting that she specifically targeted a vulnerable individual. Her attorney, Joe Suhre, painted a more complex picture, describing Natree as a “broken woman” who has faced mental health issues and a history of abuse. He noted that she was struggling with grief over her brother’s death and her marital separation when the incidents occurred.

During the sentencing, the prosecutor emphasized the long-term impact of Natree’s actions on the student, stating that he would “pay the price for the rest of their lives.” This highlights a sobering perspective on the case, reflecting the serious consequences surrounding such abuse.