Ohio Teaching assistant, Brittany McKenna, Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexually Assaulting Minor in Her Custody — Blames Victim During Sentencing

A former Licking County teacher’s aide, Brittany M. McKenna, 32, from Columbus, Ohio, has been sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges involving the sexual assault of a juvenile under her legal custody.

McKenna admitted guilt on October 8 to two counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor and two counts of sexual battery, according to a statement released by Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Wells’ office.

Investigators revealed that McKenna — who was initially employed as a teacher’s assistant and later became the legal custodian of the victim — engaged in repeated sexual contact with the juvenile. Despite denying the allegations at first, evidence including text messages and DNA results corroborated the victim’s account, prosecutors said.

Authorities also reported that McKenna violated her bond conditions by picking up the juvenile and hiding them in her home, even after a court order explicitly prohibited her from having any contact with the victim.

During her sentencing, McKenna refused to accept responsibility and even blamed the victim, according to local news outlet WBNS.

She was sentenced to ten years in state prison and classified as a Tier III sexual offender, the most severe designation under Ohio law. This requires McKenna to register every 90 days for life upon release.