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 police.
Wyatt Cornelius, age 43, faces one third-degree felony charge of criminal sexual contact of a minor, as well as fourth-degree felony charges for child solicitation by electronic device and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Police said Cornelius was employed at Camino Real Middle School at the time the allegations surfaced.
Investigators began looking into the case on April 10 after learning about alleged inappropriate conversations between Cornelius and the student via Snapchat. Authorities also discovered that Cornelius allegedly touched the student’s buttocks and legs during class and sporting events. Police said he will be held without bond at Dona Ana County Detention Center while the investigation continues.
Police are withholding details that could identify or harm the victim, stating they want to avoid discouraging other victims from coming forward. “LCPD asks news organizations to refrain from disclosing details that could irrevocably harm the girl or discourage victims of similar incidents from reporting allegations to authorities,” police said in their statement.
Anyone wishing to report similar incidents is encouraged to contact police at (575) 526-0795. Victims can also reach out for support through La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services’ 24-hour Crisis Hotline at (575) 526-3437.
Las Cruces provides community engagement through programs for youth, seniors and recreation, according to the official website. The city manages infrastructure through departments handling utilities and public works according to its official website. Local governance, services, regulation and community programs are delivered by Las Cruces according to city officials.
The municipality operates under City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau who is appointed by city council according to official information. Las Cruces covers municipal boundaries in New Mexico serving residents and businesses according to its official site, functioning as a home-rule municipal government with a council-manager structure according to city documentation.
