A middle school teacher and coach in Las Cruces was arrested on April 22 after being suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student, according to a statement released by local police on April 23.
The case raises concerns about student safety and the responsibilities of educators in the community. Las Cruces provides community engagement through programs for youth, seniors, and recreation, according to the official website.
Wyatt Cornelius, age 43, faces one third-degree felony count of criminal sexual contact of a minor as well as fourth-degree felony counts of child solicitation by an electronic device and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Police said they learned about the allegations on April 10 and began investigating immediately. At that time, Cornelius was employed as a teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School.
Investigators discovered that Cornelius had exchanged multiple inappropriate conversations with the student over Snapchat. They also found evidence that he had touched her buttocks and legs both during class and at sporting events. Police said Cornelius will be held without bond at Dona Ana County Detention Center following his arrest.
Authorities are withholding details that could identify or harm the victim or interfere with their ongoing investigation. The Las Cruces Police Department asked news organizations not to disclose information that might discourage other victims from coming forward. Anyone wishing to report similar incidents is encouraged to call police at (575) 526-0795 or seek support through La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services’ hotline at (575) 526-3437.
Las Cruces delivers local governance, services, infrastructure, regulation, and community programs for its residents according to its official website. The city manages infrastructure through departments handling utilities and public works; it operates under City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau who is appointed by the city council; it serves local residents within municipal boundaries in New Mexico; and functions as a home-rule municipal government with a council-manager structure—all according to information provided by its official website.
