Former special education teacher sentenced in Pennsylvania for sexual assault of a minor

Michelle Mercoliano, a 36-year-old former special education teacher in Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Friday to 15 months in prison. She pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and corruption of a minor. According to the prosecutor's office, Mercoliano admitted to having sexual relations with a 16-year-old student and providing him with marijuana. The incidents reportedly took place multiple times at her parents' home. Investigators stated that Mercoliano purchased medical marijuana approximately 15 times for the student from a pharmacy in Phoenixville. The relationship was discovered after the student disclosed the activities to his sister, who informed their parents. Following an investigation, police arrested the teacher in April 2025. The teacher has since been terminated from her position.