Special ed assistant accused of having sex with 4 students

McKEESPORT, Pa. — A special education assistant at McKeesport High School is accused of sexually assaulting four students.

Michelle Mellinger, 48, faces charges of institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and statutory sexual assault.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 11 News, police accuse Mellinger of having sex with four boys between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.

The students told police that Mellinger sent each of them text messages and picked them up individually in her personal vehicle several times. The boys said she took them to her home in White Oak, where they had sex.

Neighbors told Channel 11 News they never saw anything unusual during the year that she lived in her home.

"It's always a shock to hear somebody has taken advantage of kids like that. You certainly don't want to see anyone exploited in that manner,” said Dean Dittmar.

A statement released by the district said Mellinger has been placed on leave.

"The McKeesport Area School District became aware of allegations of possible inappropriate relations pertaining to a support staff employee in our district. We have completed all reporting required by all applicable laws, immediately turned the information over to the city and county law enforcement agencies, and will continue to work closely with them during the investigation. Our administration takes this matter very seriously and we hold our employees to the highest standards for the protection of our students. The employee has been placed on leave pending an investigation and will have no contact with district students or access to district facilities."

"These kids go to school to get an education, and teachers are preying upon them,” said parent Richard Smith.

Smith’s son is a 17-year-old student. He said he doesn’t know if Mellinger helped his son.

Smith said he plans to talk to his son about the arrest.

"I have no words on how to start (that conversation). I mean, it's just going to have to come out,” Smith said.

Allegheny County police arrested Mellinger on Friday. She remained in the Allegheny County Jail on Monday.

WPXI