A teacher in Chester County is being investigated for alleged sexual misconduct with a student, according to a criminal docket.
Charges were filed against Michelle Mercogliano, 35, of Phoenixville, who has been working as a special education teacher at Conestoga High School, according to the school district.
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WATCH HEREAccording to the Chester County District Attorney's Office, Mercogliano had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student that started in February of 2025. Mercogliano is also accused of giving the teenager marijuana at least 15 times.
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SIGN UP Mercogliano also used her cell phone to text the minor and used the social media platform Snapchat to go undetected, according to the criminal complaint.
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
In a statement to the school community, Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick wrote that she was placed on leave after the Tredyffrin Township Police Department and the Chester County District Attorney's Office alerted the district about the charges against her. Officials said she no longer has access to any buildings within the district.
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"We are deeply troubled by these allegations. The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive school environment for all students. We encourage you to contact your child’s Principal if any child needs support," Dr. Gusick wrote.
According to the superintendent, Mercogliano is a relatively new teacher at Conestoga and began teaching there in the fall.
Before working at Conestoga High School, Mercogliano worked at Hillside Elementary School and Valley Forge Elementary Schools between the years of 2014 and 2024, according to Gusick.
Mercogliano has not yet been arraigned.
"We learned from her attorney that the defendant had an emergent medical issue," Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said. "We were able to confirm that and once she is cleared she will be promptly taking into custody. And we will be seeking a relatively high bail commensurate with the seriousness of this offense."
Residents in Tredyffrin Township said they are shocked by the allegations and are concerned for the safety of other students.
If you have any information about this case, please call the Tredyffrin Township Police at 610-644-3221 right away.
