Former CV teacher sentenced to probation in institutional sexual assault case

Andrew Carr

A former Cumberland Valley School District teacher who pleaded guilty earlier this year to institutional sexual assault was sentenced Tuesday to four years probation and 25 years Megan’s Law registration.

Emily L. Nesbit, 32, of Carlisle, a former 11th-grade English teacher at the Cumberland Valley High School, was charged in March after Silver Spring Township Police began an investigation into allegations she was having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student on school grounds.

Nesbit apologized for her actions during Tuesday’s proceedings, saying, “I would like to say publicly that I accept full responsibility for my actions.”

“I am extremely remorseful,” she said. “I remain a transformed woman who remains committed to positive changes in my life and those I come in contact with.”

She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, submit a DNA sample and undergo a sexual offender evaluation and required treatment, which Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas Judge Albert Masland said she is already receiving. She was also ordered to have no contact with the student.

Her attorney, Brian Perry, said Nesbit continues to move on with her life.

“Since she made this bad decision, she is trying to do everything right, get the help she needs and trying to move on,” he said after the proceeding.

Police said school officials learned of the allegations March 10 after a student reported seeing something on the cellphone of the 18-year-old student and brought it to the school’s attention.

Nesbit then was placed on administrative leave that day and resigned her position two days later.

Court documents state Nesbit met the student after school hours and engaged in sexual contact. Police said Nesbit admitted to the relationship when she was interviewed.

Due to an amendment to state law that went into effect in February 2012 that made all sexual acts between students and teachers illegal, Nesbit was charged, despite age or consent.

Cumberland County District Attorney David Freed said the law is specifically aimed at these types of situations.

“The resolution of this case leaves the defendant a convicted felon, on Megan’s Law, no longer able to teach,” he said. “She gave a complete statement, waived her preliminary hearing and pleaded guilty. My office and the victim and his family are satisfied with the resolution.”

No evidence was found that she had any contact with any other students, police said.

The maximum penalty for the charge is seven years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.

Former Cumberland Valley High School teacher Emily Nesbit was sentenced to four years probation and 25 years of Megan’s Law registration during a sentencing hearing Tuesday in Cumberland County Court.

Nesbit had pleaded guilty in September to institutional sexual assault. Her charge stems from an incident in which police said she had sex with an 18-year-old male student.

Source: cumberlink