Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Multiple Felony Charges
A former sixth-grade teacher from Ohio has admitted guilt to 21 felony offenses related to child sexual abuse involving minor girls. Stephanie Erin Kellenberger, 40, could face up to 15 years in prison.
Kellenberger pleaded guilty to several charges, including third-degree felony sexual assault and unlawful sexual conduct. These details came from records in Richland County Common Pleas Court.
Notably, Judge Brent Robinson remarked, “You were a teacher. She was a student. But during these incidents, roles were different.” State prosecutors indicated that Kellenberger’s actions did not involve any use of force.
Her defense attorney, James Mayer III, explained that consent was not an issue in the matter. “That’s, uh, part of the context,” he mentioned, also noting Kellenberger had no prior legal trouble.
Prosecutor Brian Doub stated that the abuse began when the victim was just 13, escalating when she turned 14. He added, “The relationship continued until she reached the age of consent.” Under Ohio law, the age of consent is 16.
The abuse reportedly took place at Kellenberger’s Shelby residence. Accusations indicate that the offenses occurred between February 2020 and October 2021. The victim had requested a three-year prison sentence for Kellenberger, but the judge deemed this too lenient given the severity of the offenses.
Prosecutors outlined alternative sentencing options—12 or 15 years—and Kellenberger opted for the latter when she entered her plea. Moreover, she will be required to register as a Tier 3 sex offender, cannot contact any minors, and has lost her teaching license permanently.
Doub expressed relief that the victim wouldn’t need to testify, which facilitated the plea agreement. This case has understandably disturbed local families, as pointed out by Shelby City School Principal Michael Browning, who communicated with parents about the situation.
Browning emphasized that the school administration acted promptly, pulling Kellenberger from her teaching duties and ensuring no contact with students during the investigation. He later confirmed that Kellenberger resigned for personal reasons.
Kellenberger, who taught English and linguistic arts, is slated for sentencing on October 6, according to the court records.
