A former teacher from Ohio, Stefanie Erin Kellenberger, has been sentenced for sexually abusing a teenage babysitter who was just 13 at the time. Kellenberger, 41, received a 15-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to several felony counts of sexual assault.
Kellenberger, who taught sixth grade English at Shelby Middle School, entered her guilty plea on August 1 to multiple charges, including third-degree felony sexual assault. Reports indicate she had a sexual relationship with the victim, which continued for years.
Before her plea, she was offered two sentencing options by the prosecutor: a 12-year term or 15 years with a chance of judicial release after a decade. She opted for the latter.
Upon her release, Kellenberger will have to register as a Tier III sex offender and update her registration every 90 days for the rest of her life.
Judge Brent Robinson made it clear that the sentence was firm. “Don’t let anyone mislead you; this is a 15-year prison sentence. I hope you come back in ten years as a changed person,” he stated.
Kellenberger has also agreed to permanently give up her teaching license, refrain from any contact with future victims, and serve five years on parole following her prison time.
The abuse reportedly began in February 2020, shortly after the girl turned 13, and continued until the victim was 16. Kellenberger took administrative leave when the allegations came to light.
During the sentencing, Kellenberger expressed remorse to the victim, acknowledging that she had abused her position of trust. “I know I put you in a terrible situation. I’m deeply sorry for all the emotional pain I caused,” she said.
She also apologized to her own daughter, reflecting on the broader impact of her actions. “I truly regret the situation I created for everyone involved and the affect this has on my child,” Kellenberger remarked. “I accept the consequences of my actions and the sentences I’m facing today.”
