LAS CRUCES – A Las Cruces middle school teacher and coach accused of sending inappropriate Snapchat messages to a 14-year-old student will remain jailed without bond while his case moves forward.
Wyatt Cornelius, 43, a teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School, appeared in court Tuesday for a pretrial detention hearing. KFOX14/CBS4 in El Paso reported that a judge denied bond and ordered Cornelius held in pretrial detention, while also calling for an expedited trial.
Cornelius was arrested April 22 after Las Cruces police said investigators first learned of the allegations April 10. Police said Cornelius is accused of sending inappropriate messages to the student over a period of several months. Investigators also reported allegations that Cornelius touched the student’s backside and legs.
According to police, investigators found messages in which Cornelius allegedly encouraged the student to sneak out early in the morning and made inappropriate sexual references.
During Tuesday’s hearing, prosecutors argued the messages showed Cornelius should remain detained and described him as a danger to the alleged victim, the community and other young people.
Cornelius’ defense attorney argued there was no evidence that his release would pose a danger and said he could be released under court-ordered conditions.
Court records also showed several letters of support had been submitted on Cornelius’ behalf. One was described in court filings as a letter from the Rev. Richard Catanach, pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Las Cruces. The Diocese of Las Cruces later said it was not aware of the letter and had not seen it. In a statement, an attorney for the diocese said the sexual abuse of minors is an intolerable crime and said the diocese continues to pray for healing and justice for those who have suffered abuse.
An attorney for the alleged victim and family said they were relieved by the judge’s decision to keep Cornelius detained. She also said any other possible victims, or their parents, should come forward.
The case is expected back in court May 19 unless it goes to a grand jury first.
Las Cruces Public Schools said Cornelius was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Cornelius is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications – john@bravomic.com
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