A 21-year-old Lansford woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after Butler Township Police alleged she engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct involving a juvenile resident at Gaudenzia Fountain Springs in Butler Township.
Chloe Eileen Hawley-Schmick was charged with felony counts of unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors, as well as misdemeanor counts including indecent exposure and indecent assault. She is also charged with open lewdness, criminal trespass, and harassment. Court records show the charges stem from allegations dating to July 1, 2026.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Butler Township Police began investigating after receiving a ChildLine referral on July 16 regarding allegations involving a juvenile resident at Gaudenzia Fountain Springs.
The affidavit alleges the juvenile told investigators that Hawley-Schmick called the child into her room, where the juvenile observed Hawley-Schmick engaged in a lewd act. Investigators further allege Hawley-Schmick later entered the juvenile's room, tucked the child into bed, and kissed the juvenile on the forehead.
According to the affidavit, the juvenile later told investigators that Hawley-Schmick entered the room again while other family members were asleep, climbed into bed with the child, kissed the juvenile on the lips and forehead, removed the juvenile's clothing, and engaged in inappropriate sexual contact.
The affidavit states the juvenile later participated in a forensic interview at the Children's Resource Center, where investigators said the child reiterated the allegations and disclosed additional details.
According to the affidavit, investigators also interviewed additional residents and staff members. Several witnesses reportedly told police they had heard Hawley-Schmick refer to the juvenile as her "wifey."
The affidavit also details statements from another resident who told police that Hawley-Schmick allegedly entered her room without permission during the night, got into bed with her, placed her head on the resident's chest, and made unwanted physical advances. The resident reportedly told investigators she was afraid to confront Hawley-Schmick and had previously reported the incident to staff.
Investigators also spoke with the facility's manager, who told police that residents are instructed not to enter another resident's room without permission.
Court records show Hawley-Schmick was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. Bail was set at $50,000 monetary, which she was unable to post. She was committed to Schuylkill County Prison pending further court proceedings. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 19.
The allegations summarized in the affidavit represent the prosecution's version of events and have not been tested in court. Hawley-Schmick is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.