Story perspectives

Former Counselor Sentenced to 28-40 Years for Student Abuse

4/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jessica Patrick Finley, a former high school counselor and volleyball coach in North Carolina, received a prison sentence of 28 to 40 years for sexually abusing a 14-year-old student.
Finley pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including statutory sex offenses and indecent liberties with a child.
The abuse occurred during the 2023-24 school year and involved inappropriate communications and sexual encounters in her school office.
The relationship was discovered after the victim's parents found explicit texts, leading to Finley's resignation in February 2024.
Finley entered her guilty plea on April 16, 2026.

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Story summary

Jessica Patrick Finley, a former high school counselor and volleyball coach in North Carolina, received a prison sentence of 28 to 40 years for sexually abusing a 14-year-old student.
Finley pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including statutory sex offenses and indecent liberties with a child.
The abuse occurred during the 2023-24 school year and involved inappropriate communications and sexual encounters in her school office.
The relationship was discovered after the victim's parents found explicit texts, leading to Finley's resignation in February 2024.
Finley entered her guilty plea on April 16, 2026.