Former Guidance Counselor Admits to Abuse of Underage Girl
A former guidance counselor in North Carolina is facing a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexually abusing an underage girl, according to police. The counselor allegedly made promises to the victim about leaving her family.
An investigation began in February 2024 following accusations of an inappropriate relationship involving the school counselor. The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation reported that Jessica Patrick Finley, a 31-year-old guidance counselor and volleyball coach at McDowell County High School, was arrested as a result.
Finley faced multiple charges: eight counts of indecency with a child, six counts related to statutory sex offenses, one charge of sexual activity with a student, and another for a crime against a child under 15. Initially, in April 2025, Finley rejected a plea deal but later opted to plead guilty to all charges in Superior Court.
The court imposed a sentence ranging from a minimum of 28 years to a maximum of 40 years and six months. At the time of sentencing, Finley had already spent 778 days in custody. Additionally, she will owe a $30,000 fine and will need to register as a sex offender upon release.
The victim, now 17, noted that she sought counseling for anxiety and depression before the relationship with Finley began. “I was feeling lonely and asking for help, and she took advantage of that,” the victim said during the proceedings.
Finley’s actions were described starkly by the victim’s sister, who remarked, “A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling room.” The victim’s mother expressed her outrage, insisting that “children are off limits. There are no excuses, no exceptions.”
During the hearing, Finley, visibly emotional, apologized to families affected by her actions: “I am truly sorry for my actions and for the pain I have caused.” Her attorney argued that Finley was experiencing postpartum depression and marital issues at the time of the incidents.
After the allegations surfaced, Finley resigned in February 2024. Recovered warrants revealed that she had been engaging in sexual conversations with a 14-year-old student, discussing details of their encounters and future activities.
The investigation, initially handled by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, was transferred to the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation due to a potential conflict of interest. McDowell Public Schools has not provided comments since the sentencing.
