Counselor Admits to Sex Crimes Against Teen Student

A high school counselor in North Carolina has pleaded guilty to sex crimes against a student she was meant to teach and guide. Counselor Jessica Patrick Finley admitted to sexually abusing a 14-year-old student who sought anxiety counseling at her school office. She was charged with multiple felonies, including sex offenses involving a child, indecent liberties with a child, sex with a student, and crimes against a child under 15.

Finley worked at McDowell High School during the 2023-24 school year and began an inappropriate relationship with the student, which escalated into a sexual relationship. Some of the offenses occurred within Finley's school office, where the student had sought counseling. In a court statement about the case, the victim's sister described Finley as a "predator hiding behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim."

The case came to light when the student's parents discovered messages and reported it to authorities, leading to Finley's resignation from the McDowell County Board of Education in February 2024. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) launched an investigation at the request of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office, leading to Finley's indictment on multiple sex offense charges.

Finley rejected a plea deal offer in April 2025 and attempted to have her bond reduced, but was denied. She pleaded guilty to all charges on Thursday in superior court. In court, Finley apologized for her actions and the pain they caused. The court sentenced her to a prison term of a minimum of 28 years and 4 months, up to a maximum of 40 years and 6 months.