McDowell County teacher sentenced for child sex crimes involving 14-year-old student

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - A McDowell County teacher was sentenced to more than 28 years for child sex crimes on Thursday, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Jessica Patrick Finley was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years and four months and a maximum of 40 years and six months after pleading guilty to multiple felony sex offenses involving a minor:

• (6 counts) Statutory sex offense with a child
• (8 counts) Indecent liberties with a child
• Sex act with a student
• Offenses involving a child under the age of 15

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was requested to assist the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office in February 2024 following allegations involving the McDowell High School volleyball coach and counselor. The investigation revealed that Finley had inappropriate communications with a 14-year-old student, which led to her resignation from McDowell County Schools that same month.

In April 2025, Finley declined a plea agreement and chose to proceed toward trial. A subsequent request for a reduced bond was denied in August 2025.

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