A former McDowell County High School counselor and volleyball coach will spend at least the next 28 years in prison following a multi-year investigation into sexual crimes involving a minor student.
Jessica Patrick Finley, who once held a position of trust within the North Carolina school system, pleaded guilty to all charges in superior court on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The case began in February 2024 when the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
The request followed specific allegations regarding Finley’s conduct. Investigators eventually uncovered evidence of inappropriate communications between Finley and a 14-year-old student, a discovery that led to her immediate resignation from McDowell County Schools that same month.
READ: FBI Director Kash Patel Sues The Atlantic For $250 Million Over ‘Malicious’ Hit Piece
Finley was hit with a litany of felony charges, including six counts of statutory sex offense with a child and eight counts of indecent liberties with a child. The indictment also included charges for a sex act with a student and offenses involving a victim under the age of 15.
While Finley was offered a plea agreement in April 2025, she initially declined the deal, opting to move toward a trial. Her legal team also attempted to secure a reduced bond in August 2025, though that request was ultimately denied by the court.
The legal process concluded this week when Finley entered a guilty plea for every count against her. A judge sentenced her to a minimum term of 28 years and four months, with a maximum potential stay of 40 years and six months in state custody.
The conviction was the result of a joint effort between the SBI’s Western District agents and local sheriff’s deputies. Following the sentencing, the SBI issued a statement noting that the agency “remains committed to supporting our local partners in protecting children and pursuing justice for victims of abuse.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
