Kelly Schutte is a former Pennridge South Middle School guidance counselor in Bucks County, Pennsylvania who pleaded guilty in February 2025 to corruption of a minor after a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old male student. On May 15, 2025, Montgomery County Judge Wendy G. Rothstein sentenced her to seven years of probation and 15 years of sex offender registration. Pennsylvania’s Professional Standards and Practices Commission permanently revoked her educator credentials later that year.
How the Case Came to Light
On July 18, 2023, the mother of a 14-year-old boy called 911 to report that her son said he was in a sexual relationship with his guidance counselor.1NBC Philadelphia. MontCo Guidance Counselor Accused of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Boy The day before, a member of Schutte’s family had walked in on the boy kissing her inside her home. He fled and called his parents to pick him up.
According to the criminal complaint, Schutte first made contact with the student on a class field trip the previous fall. They communicated through the school district’s Canvas messaging platform during the school year and moved to Snapchat once summer began.2Fox 29. Bucks County Middle School Counselor Charged, Accused of Sexual Assault With Student The student told investigators that sexual contact occurred repeatedly across Bucks and Montgomery counties in June and July 2023, at Schutte’s home, in her SUV outside a supermarket, and in his bedroom while his family was away.3People. Middle School Guidance Counselor Allegedly Groomed Boy on Snapchat Before Sexually Abusing Him He also said Schutte called him out of class to her office during school hours.
Upper Perkiomen police pulled messages, photographs, and handwritten notes from the teen’s phone, obtained surveillance footage of the two at a supermarket, and recovered an earring belonging to Schutte from the student’s home.1NBC Philadelphia. MontCo Guidance Counselor Accused of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Boy The Pennridge School District placed her on administrative leave in July 2023 and barred her from school property.
The Charges
On November 9, 2023, Schutte, then 35, was charged with three counts of institutional sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault of a person under 16, and one count of corruption of minors.2Fox 29. Bucks County Middle School Counselor Charged, Accused of Sexual Assault With Student She turned herself in, was arraigned the next morning, and posted $25,000 unsecured bail.1NBC Philadelphia. MontCo Guidance Counselor Accused of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Boy
Guilty Plea and Sentence
Schutte pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025 in Montgomery County Court to a single felony count of corruption of a minor of a sexual nature. The institutional sexual assault and indecent assault counts were dismissed under the plea agreement.4The Mercury. Ex-Guidance Counselor Sentenced for Sexual Contact With Bucks Student
At the May 15, 2025 sentencing, Judge Rothstein imposed seven years of probation and ordered Schutte to register her address with state police for 15 years under Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. The Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board had evaluated her and found she did not meet the criteria for classification as a sexually violent predator.4The Mercury. Ex-Guidance Counselor Sentenced for Sexual Contact With Bucks Student Additional conditions require her to complete a psychosexual evaluation and any recommended treatment, prohibit any contact with the victim, bar unsupervised contact with minors other than her own biological children, and permanently prohibit her from working as a school counselor. A probation violation could send her to prison.
What Was Said in Court
The victim’s mother told the court her family had been “jolted by this offense” and that her son’s peace, innocence, and normalcy had been stolen, adding that “no sentence can right this wrong or undo the damage that has resulted” but that “consequences are essential in order for justice to prevail.”4The Mercury. Ex-Guidance Counselor Sentenced for Sexual Contact With Bucks Student
Assistant District Attorney Bradley Walter Deckel said Schutte had “selfishly exploited and groomed the victim for her own sexual desires” from a position of trust. He said the plea deal was structured to spare the teenager from testifying, and that the victim’s family had significant input in shaping it.
Judge Rothstein told Schutte she “was supposed to offer guidance, and instead, you sexually molested a student,” and told the victim he was “strong, brave and courageous” and bore no blame. Schutte did not speak, apologize, or show visible emotion during the hearing.4The Mercury. Ex-Guidance Counselor Sentenced for Sexual Contact With Bucks Student
Loss of Teaching Credentials
The Professional Standards and Practices Commission suspended Schutte’s educator credentials in February 2024.5Pennsylvania Government. PSPC Order IS-24-001, Schutte, Kelly A. After her guilty plea, she signed a settlement agreement on July 11, 2025 surrendering her Educational Specialist II certificate, which had authorized her to work as a school counselor for grades PK through 12. On September 30, 2025, the commission formally accepted the surrender, terminated her certificate and all employment eligibility with Pennsylvania school entities, charter schools, cyber charter schools, and contracted education providers, and declared her permanently ineligible for reinstatement.6Pennsylvania Government. PSPC Order DI-25-073, Schutte, Kelly A.