Phoenixville Woman, H.S. Teacher, Had Sex With Student: DA

TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, PA — A special education teacher at Conestoga High School had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old high school student, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said.

Michelle Mercogliano, 35, of Phoenixville, has not yet been arrested. Police called her "cooperative" and said she is arranging a time to turn herself in through her lawyer.

"The calculated actions by this defendant are shocking and disturbing," Tredyffrin Township Police Chief Michael Beaty said in a statement. "We are here to support the victim and his family as we collectively work to rebuild the trust damaged by her criminal endeavors."

Mercogliano's relationship with the student victim began in Feb. 2025, police said. During the course of their relationship, she also gave the student marijuana, according to authorities.

The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District said that Mercogliano was placed on leave Tuesday once the school was aware of the investigation, and she no longer has access to school property. The school does not believe there are other victims.

Mercogliano began teaching at Conestoga in the fall of 2024. Before that, she was a teacher at Hillside Elementary from 2019 to 2024 and a paraprofessional at Hillside Elementary and Valley Forge Elementary Schools from 2014 to 2018.

"We are deeply troubled by these allegations," Superintendent Richard Gusick wrote in a letter to the school community Wednesday. "Out of respect for student privacy and the integrity of the investigation, the District will not provide additional comment or details at this time."

Charges against her include institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, and numerous related counts.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, contact Tredyffrin police at 610-644-3221.