A former middle school educator from Ohio has been handed a lengthy prison term after admitting to sexually abusing her daughter’s teenage babysitter. Stefanie Erin Kellenberger, 41, received a 15-year prison sentence for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl, according to reports from the Richland Source.
Kellenberger, who previously taught sixth-grade English at Shelby Middle School, pleaded guilty on August 1 to multiple charges, including four counts of third-degree felony sexual battery and 17 counts of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Before entering her plea, prosecutors offered her two sentencing options: a straight 12-year prison term or 15 years with the possibility of judicial release after serving 10 years. She chose the latter.
In addition to her prison sentence, Kellenberger must register as a Tier III sex offender and update her registration every 90 days for life once released. Judge Brent Robinson emphasized that the 15-year sentence could be served in full, stating, “This is a 15-year prison sentence with the hope that you come back in 10 years if you have been a model inmate, complied fully, and avoided any trouble.”
Furthermore, Kellenberger agreed to permanently relinquish her teaching license, avoid any future contact with the victim, and serve five years of parole following her release. The abuse began in February 2020 when the victim was just 13 years old. The inappropriate relationship started after the girl turned 14 and continued until she was 16. Kellenberger was placed on paid administrative leave in February 2024 after the allegations surfaced.
During sentencing, Kellenberger expressed remorse to the victim, who had been employed as a babysitter for her daughter. “I recognize that you were a child and I was an adult entrusted with your care. I take full responsibility for what happened between us,” she said. “I put you in a situation no teenager should ever face. I am truly sorry for the emotional pain I caused you. I hope my guilty plea and this sentence bring you some closure as you move forward.”
She also acknowledged the broader impact of her actions, stating, “I deeply regret the consequences this has had on my family, especially my child. I accept the full weight of my actions and the punishment imposed today.”
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