Pennsburg, Pennsylvania - Kelly Ann Schutte, a 35-year-old guidance counselor from Pennsburg, has been charged with institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age. The charges come after a 14-year-old student at Pennridge South Middle School reported being involved in a romantic and sexual relationship with Schutte.

The investigation was initiated on July 18, 2023, when the student's mother contacted the Upper Perk Police Department. According to the criminal complaint, the teenager had called his parents the previous night in distress and requested to be picked up from Schutte's home. When his parents arrived, they found him hiding behind a parked vehicle, revealing that one of Schutte's family members had discovered them kissing inside her residence. Frightened, the student had fled and contacted his parents to disclose the nature of his relationship with Schutte.

During a subsequent interview with law enforcement on July 19, the teenager provided detailed accounts of his interactions with Schutte. He stated that their relationship had developed after a school trip in the fall of 2022 when they sat together on a bus. Throughout the rest of the school year, the student claimed to have been regularly summoned to Schutte's office, causing him to miss classes. The teenager further alleged that sexual contact between himself and Schutte had occurred multiple times in both Bucks and Montgomery counties during June and July of 2023.

Meticulous investigation by the police uncovered various pieces of evidentiary material. Upon searching the teenager's cellphone, authorities discovered messages and photographs depicting interactions between him and Schutte at her Pennsburg residence. Incriminating messages were also recovered from the school district's messaging app, "Canvas," as well as handwritten notes substantiating the student's statements. Furthermore, surveillance footage was obtained, showing Schutte and the teenager together at a local supermarket, where she purchased a bottle of wine.

Investigators uncovered further disturbing details, indicating that Schutte had sexually assaulted the teenager at his home in Bucks County while his family was away in mid-June. A crucial piece of evidence supporting the victim's claims was the discovery of Schutte's earring inside the student's residence.

Following the completion of the investigation, charges were officially filed against Schutte on Thursday. Responding to the situation, Pennridge School District Superintendent Angelo Berrios III released a letter addressing the school community. Berrios stated that the district had been made aware of the allegations against Schutte in July and had promptly placed her on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Currently, Schutte is prohibited from entering school district premises or having any contact with Pennridge School District students and staff. Berrios emphasized the district's full cooperation with the District Attorney's Office in handling the case.

Schutte was arraigned on Friday and subsequently released on $25,000 unsecured bail. NBC10 approached Schutte's attorney for comments, but they declined to provide a statement.

As this case unfolds, authorities stress the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of all students. The public and the Pennridge School District community will undoubtedly be closely following the legal proceedings surrounding this deeply troubling incident.