A former guidance counselor at Nathan Hale Middle School in Norwalk was sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison for a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old male student that occurred on school grounds.

Luisa Melchionne, 48, appeared in Stamford Superior Court Tuesday after previously pleading guilty to second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.

“I’m deeply remorseful,” Melchionne told the court before Judge Gary White handed down a 12-year sentence, which will be suspended after she serves 4 ½ years followed by 12 years of probation. If she violates that, she faces up to another 7 ½ years in prison.

Stamford State Attorney Paul Ferencek called it a fair disposition for “a very disturbing case.”

Norwalk police began investigating Melchionne in April 2024 after a tip about explicit texts with a student on her phone. She was arrested in July 2024 and was no longer employed by Norwalk Public Schools at that time. The school district told News 12 that Melchionne was terminated June 14 – six weeks after district officials were first told about the investigation, per her arrest warrant.

The inappropriate relationship began in the spring of 2023 with the two sending each other nude photos and ended in February 2024, according to the warrant.

"The child stated that he would receive 'lap dances' while in her office," the warrant said. "The child [also] stated that Melchionne performed oral sex on him on numerous occasions … The child stated that the door would be closed and the window blind pulled down for privacy."

Melchionne’s attorney, Mark Sherman, told the court Melchionne has engaged in intense therapy and is on her way to not being the person she was when the incidents occurred.

“The allegations are far from who she is, who she's working to be. She deeply regrets letting her community and her school down and her peers. She understands how sensitive a case like this is, and she's accepted responsibility by entering the plea and looking forward to the rehabilitation part of this program,” Sherman told News 12 outside the courthouse.

Attorney Ryan Daugherty, who represents the victim, was in court for the sentencing.

Daugherty released a statement saying, “Today’s sentencing delivers a long-overdue measure of justice for our client and their family, who have endured unimaginable pain because of the actions of Luisa Melchionne and the inactions of others entrusted with children's safety. Our students should be safe at school and not vulnerable to abuse. While no sentence can fully repair the trauma caused, the court’s decision sends a clear message that this kind of abuse will not be tolerated. Our priority now is supporting our client as they continue the difficult work of healing and reclaiming their sense of security."

The judge said the criminal protective order in the case, barring Melchionne from contact with the victim, will remain in place until March 10, 2076.