Bucks County middle school counselor charged with sex crimes involving 14-year-old student

PERKASIE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A Bucks County, Pennsylvania middle school counselor is behind bars after being accused of having sexual contact with a student, according to authorities.

Kelly Schutte, 35, was arraigned Friday morning on multiple charges including sexual contact with a student and corruption of minors.

According to court documents, the middle school student was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes.

Police say Schutte began grooming the boy in fall 2022 and the sexual relationship continued into the next summer.

Investigators say the two originally communicated over the schools messaging app and then switched to Snapchat over the summer and the abuse happened in both Bucks and Montgomery counties, where Schutte lives.

The Pennridge School District says it became aware of allegations in July against Schutte, who worked at South Middle School.

"While we refrain from making premature judgments about the actions of the staff member facing prosecution, it is crucial to reiterate the district's stance against any inappropriate contact between a Pennridge School District employee and a student. Such behavior will NOT be tolerated. We

want to assure you that the district is fully cooperating with the District Attorney's Office," said Superintendent Angelo Berrios in a statement.

Meanwhile, people who live near the school district were appalled at what happened.

"I hope she pays for it. I feel bad for the parents, too and the kid. That kid has to live with that for the rest of their life," said Lisa Law from Souderton.

"My stomach turns, it does. And I feel so bad for the child and their family," said Carol Lynch from Telford.

Schutte was released on $25,000 unsecured bail under the condition she stays away from the victim and the victim's family. She was also ordered to stay away from all Pennridge school facilities and was placed on administrative leave.

Schutte's lawyer told Action News they had no comment at this time.

A preliminary hearing for Schutte is scheduled for November 20.