Jessica Finley, a former counselor and volleyball coach at McDowell High School in North Carolina, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor student. The abuse began when the victim was 14 years old, as she sought help for anxiety during the 2023–24 academic year. Prosecutors revealed that Finley groomed the student, exploiting her vulnerability, and engaged in sexual acts when the girl was 15, including incidents in Finley's office at the school. The relationship was uncovered after the victim's parents discovered messages detailing their encounters. Initially rejecting a plea deal, Finley later pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including sexual activity with a student and offenses involving a child under 15. During the sentencing, she apologized for her actions, expressing remorse for the harm caused to the victim.