High school teacher charged with alleged relationship with student

(WPHL) — A high school teacher in Chester County has been charged with sexual assault of corruption of a minor, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced.

According to the DA, 35-year-old Michelle Mercogliano is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with a student attending Conestoga High School, where she was a teacher.

Mercogliano is being charged with Institutional Sexual Assault, Corruption of Minors, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, and other related offenses, said the DA’s office.

Mercogliano has not been arrested yet, but is “cooperative and arranging an appropriate time to turn herself in via her attorney.”, the DA’s office said.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the Tredyffrin Township Police Department alleges Mercogliano was in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student beginning in February of 2025.

Police say Mercogliano allegedly also gave the victim marijuana.

When police learned about the alleged sexual relationship, they worked with the Tredyffrin Eastown School District “to prevent the Defendant from having further contact with students.”

“Parents and students should be able to trust their teachers. The Defendant broke the law and destroyed that trust. It will not be tolerated,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe.

Tredyffrin Township Police Department Police Chief Michael Beaty stated, “The calculated actions by this Defendant are shocking and disturbing. We are here to support the victim and his family as we collectively work to rebuild the trust damaged by her criminal endeavors.”

Officials say this is still an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information, officials urge you to contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Department at 610-644-3221. If you have concerns about the safety of a child, say something. Call 911 and call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.