Former McDowell Guidance Counselor Sentenced to 28 Years for Child Sex Crimes

McDowell County -- April 19, 2026: A former McDowell County High School Guidance Counselor was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to child sex crimes. The case highlights the swift action taken following concerned parents reporting suspicious activity, underscoring the critical role of community vigilance in protecting children in Western North Carolina.Jessica Patrick Finley, 31, was sentenced on April 16, 2026, to a minimum of 28 years in prison. The sentencing followed a guilty plea to