Special-ed teacher accused of sexually abusing 10-year-old boy almost daily — up to 5 times per day — at elementary school



A special-education teacher in Washington state is accused of raping a 10-year-old student at an elementary school, according to court documents.

The Spokane Police Department said in a statement that a principal alerted officers that a "family member of a student had disclosed to them statements the child made regarding possible sex acts with an adult female teacher."

'We are additionally concerned for community safety based on the level of sophistication and planning involved in perpetrating these sexual assaults.'

Around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 12, officers responded to the reports of child sex crimes.

"When officers arrived and took the initial report, they obtained statements and evidence to believe these allegations were founded," the police news release stated. "SPD's Special Victims Unit was called and took over the investigation."

Police said investigators "worked tirelessly over the past month to obtain evidence and solidify the investigation."

Officers arrested 32-year-old Mahayla Benavides on March 12, and she was charged with rape of a child in the first degree and child molestation in the first degree.

On March 17, Benavides pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Washington law defines rape of a child in the first degree when a person has "sexual intercourse with another who is less than 12 years old, and the perpetrator is at least 24 months older than the victim."

Child molestation in the first degree is when a person "has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of 18 to have, sexual contact with another who is less than 12 years old, and the perpetrator is at least 36 months older than the victim," according to Washington law.

Benavides' bond was set at $500,000, according to jail records.

RELATED: Marriage meltdown: Mom-of-two teacher busted for alleged child molestation of student; reportedly loses custody of kids

KXLY-TV reported that Spokane Police Department officers interviewed Benavides at her home in February and administered a cheek swab.

Police said Benavides didn't want to answer officers' questions, but KXLY said she "performed a 'Google search' for a lawyer."

KXLY added that "police also collected evidence from the classroom at Stevens Elementary School, which detectives say included a bean bag chair that tested positive for a bodily fluid."

Citing court records, KXLY reported that the student told investigators the alleged sexual abuse occurred almost every day — "sometimes as much as five times per day."

The boy informed investigators that the alleged child abuse often happened in a "time-out room," but Benavides would occasionally touch him sexually in the classroom when other young students were present, according to documents filed in Spokane County Superior Court.

According to the affidavit, Benavides pressured the minor to remain silent and said that disclosing the relationship could result in legal trouble or the loss of her job.

The student told investigators that Benavides recorded sexually explicit videos of herself and then showed them to him at school, KXLY reported.

KXLY reported, "In one of the videos, she uses the child's name."

Police also found videos of Benavides appearing to perform a sexual act with the student in the classroom, according to the affidavit.

The school district provided police with videos from "the classrooms in question," KXLY said.

Police said they seized items from the special-education teacher and the student, according to the affidavit.

Prosecutors said Benavides' actions were "highly predatory, and we are additionally concerned for community safety based on the level of sophistication and planning involved in perpetrating these sexual assaults," KREM-TV reported.

According to KXLY, prosecutors noted that the special-ed teacher was able to "keep her actions hidden for a long period of time."

Spokane Public Schools told KREM, "It's vital that we allow SPD to conduct its investigation, and SPS will continue to follow our policies as we take the next steps pending the outcome."

Sweetser Law Office, which is representing the alleged victim's family, said in a statement, "Parents entrust schools with their children every day. That trust exists because families believe their children will be safe in the care of the adults responsible for them. Every child deserves that safety."

The Spokane Police Department said Spokane School District 81 "acted quickly once this information was brought to their attention, promptly separating Benavides from the child and further school access, and calling police."

The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Benavides is scheduled to appear in court May 11, according to KREM.

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School employee, 34, allegedly had sex with 13-year-old student, gave him alcohol, weed — and cops believe she's on the run



A Colorado school employee has been accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old student, and authorities believe the employee is on the run from law enforcement.

The Greeley Police Department said in a statement that officers on Feb. 12 responded to reports that a Greeley-Evans School District 6 staff member sexual assaulted a 13-year-old student.

'This can get me fired.'

Police identified the staffer as 34-year-old Brenda Meza.

"During the investigation, it was determined Meza engaged in continuous sexual abuse of the minor for several months," police said.

The New York Post reported that Meza could face 12 felonies, including sexual assault of a child, internet luring of a child, and tampering with physical evidence, as well as one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

However, Meza now may be on the run. Police said attempts to contact Meza have been "unsuccessful."

Police questioned Meza's husband during a March 11 traffic stop, but he said he didn't know where his wife was — and that he was on his way to the Mexican border, according to Post.

Meza was a staff member at Franklin Middle School at the time of the accusations.

KDVR-TV obtained a letter that school Principal Suzette Luster sent to parents of students.

"Student safety and security is always our first priority. We are very sorry if these allegations have negatively impacted our school, staff, and students," Luster said.

Luster also noted, "If your student needs extra support during this time, please reach out to our counseling office."

Meza was placed on administrative leave on Feb. 12 and terminated on Feb. 25, according to KDVR.

Citing the letter, KDVR reported that Meza was hired in February 2020.

"While employed at the middle school, she worked as the school secretary, assisted with club games and coached cross-country, and had also served as a substitute for a year beforehand," according to KDVR.

Luster also said in the letter that police told her investigators believe Meza has fled the state to avoid prosecution.

RELATED: 5th-grade teacher — accused of having 'sexual conversation' with child under 12 — now slapped with far more shocking charges

According to an arrest affidavit the New York Post obtained, Meza told police during an interview that the teen discovered her Instagram during Thanksgiving break last year.

According to the affidavit, Meza sent photos of her buttocks and breasts after the 8th-grader at Franklin Middle School messaged her pictures of his genitals.

During the interrogation, Meza told investigators that she and the boy "got super close to each other ... almost the point of having sex," the affidavit said.

In January, Meza met the boy at a Walmart parking lot, where they consumed ready-to-drink cocktails and marijuana before having sex for the first time, the affidavit said.

Police later found photos of the school secretary and the student inside a car showing the boy drinking alcohol and holding marijuana, court documents said.

Meza had sex with the student two more times over the next few weeks, according to the Post.

The Post, citing police, also reported that Meza "allegedly bragged that the victim's manhood was bigger than her own husband’s ..."

The affidavit stated that Meza sent several "I love you" text messages to the boy and told the teen she would get jealous if she caught him talking to female classmates at school.

Franklin Middle School received an anonymous tip about the alleged child sex abuse on Feb. 12.

The Post reported that school officials confronted Meza about the allegations, and she confessed to her husband that she "got high" and had creepy interactions with a student.

The husband called police after his wife's alleged admission, the Post reported.

The affidavit said Meza admitted to knowing the boy's age and texted the alleged victim, "This can get me fired."

Greeley Police told Blaze News on Monday that Meza is still at large and that there are no updates on the case. Greeley Police also told Blaze News that Meza wasn't arrested when police interviewed her Feb. 12 because it's a "complex case" and that they were still working on compiling evidence and interviewing victims and potential witnesses. Greeley Police added to Blaze News that when officers went to arrest Meza about a month later, she was gone.

The investigation is ongoing.

Officials said those with information regarding the case or where Meza can be located should call the Greeley Police Department at 970-502-2186.

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Ex-teacher and boyfriend indicted on 39 child sex charges; she confessed to abusing 5-year-old at his direction, cops say



A Texas ex-substitute teacher and her boyfriend were indicted on a combined 39 child sex crime charges earlier this month stemming from sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl, according to multiple reports.

Madison Paige Jones, 30, was indicted on 19 criminal charges, including 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, four counts of indecency with a child by exposure, one count of indecency with a child sexual contact, and one count of possession with intent to promote child pornography, according to court records.

'She told officers that Jones and Dondlinger were in a relationship and that she had concerns with Dondlinger’s behavior toward a 5-year-old child in Jones’ home.'

On the same day, Jones' 37-year-old boyfriend, Zackery Dondlinger, was indicted on 20 criminal charges, including 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, three counts of indecency with a child by exposure, two counts of indecency with a child sexual contact, one count of sexual performance by a child, and one count of possession with intent to promote child pornography.

According to jail records, Jones and Dondlinger are being held at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Waxahachie. Their combined bonds total nearly $9 million — $5 million for Dondlinger and $3,840,000 for Jones.

As Blaze News reported in December, Jones had been a substitute teacher with the Midlothian Independent School District. However, the district said Jones was terminated from her position immediately following her arrest.

KDFW-TV reported that Jones had worked as a substitute four times in 2025 at Heritage High School and Baxter Elementary School.

The school district emphasized that there is no indication that the child sex crime charges are linked to Jones’ role as a substitute teacher. The school district said preliminary findings show that none of the alleged misconduct occurred on a Midlothian ISD campus or during school-sanctioned events.

RELATED: Neighbors allegedly noticed something suspicious — now a teacher is accused of 'extremely disturbing' sex assault of student

The Midlothian Police Department said in a statement that officers were "dispatched to investigate a report of a potential sexual assault involving a child" on Dec. 17.

KFDA-TV obtained court documents in January saying officers went to the home of a woman who identified herself as a friend of Jones.

"She told officers that Jones and Dondlinger were in a relationship and that she had concerns with Dondlinger’s behavior toward a 5-year-old child in Jones’ home," KFDA reported.

Court documents said Jones informed authorities that Dondlinger was having sexual fantasies about the child.

According to KFDA, "Officers then spoke with Jones, who then confessed to sexually assaulting the 5-year-old on direction from Dondlinger."

Jones confessed that she sent videos of the sex acts to Dondlinger via Snapchat to satisfy his sexual requests, according to court records.

Citing the affidavit, KFDA reported that investigators discovered a message from Dondlinger that corroborated Jones' claim that she was acting at his direction.

The San Antonio Express-News reported that Jones is accused of possessing more than 500 visual depictions of child pornography.

KVII-TV reported that the alleged child sex abuse involved one purported victim between Dec. 5 and Dec. 17.

According to KVII, Jones was arrested Dec. 19, and Dondlinger was arrested Dec. 23 on an oil rig site about an hour west of Odessa.

Police seized an iPhone and an iPad from Jones and two iPhones from Dondlinger, according to KFDA.

The Midlothian Police Department said Jones and Dondlinger were in a dating relationship, CBS News reported.

The Ellis County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Lawyer for school secretary accused of sex with students slams cops over viral video: 'Injustice of magnanimous proportions'



A married school secretary at an Indiana high school was reportedly caught by her husband having a sexual relationship with a student in mid-February, which led to the discovery that she allegedly had an unlawful sexual relationship with a second student. However, the suspect's lawyer is calling for action after a video of her interrogation by police went viral, which he described as an "injustice of magnanimous proportions."

As Blaze News reported last month, 31-year-old Alicia Hughes was arrested "following an investigation into allegations involving inappropriate conduct with a minor," according to police.

'I'll need my lawyer here at this point.'

The Union City Police Department announced in a statement, "During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Hughes’ husband had discovered her with an 18-year-old student of Randolph Eastern School Corporation and confronted the individuals."

Police said Hughes was allegedly "battered during that altercation." The Randolph County Sheriff's Department is investigating the alleged battery.

Hughes, an employee of the Randolph Eastern School Corporation, was involved in a sexual relationship with a second student, police stated.

"As the investigation progressed, Union City Police Department investigators uncovered evidence that Alicia Hughes had also engaged in a sexual relationship with a separate high school student who was 17 years old at the time," the statement read.

Police determined that Hughes and the underage student "engaged in sexual intercourse on at least five occasions."

On Feb. 17, Hughes was arrested and charged with five counts of child seduction related to the sexual relationship with the minor student, according to police.

According to Indiana law, child seduction is when a "person uses or exerts the person's professional relationship to engage in sexual intercourse, other sexual conduct, or any fondling or touching with the child with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the child or the person."

According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, child seduction is a Level 5 felony in Indiana if the child is at least 16 years old but less than 18.

If convicted on all five charges of child seduction, Hughes faces a prison term of between five and 30 years, plus a fine of up to $10,000.

Cleveland.com reported that Randolph Eastern School Corporation Superintendent Neal Adams announced that Hughes "has been removed from all duties with students pending the outcome of the legal process."

However, Hughes' attorney is calling for action after the Union City Police Department released a video that showed a portion of the school employee's interrogation by an officer.

Hughes' attorney, David M. Jordan, called the release of the interrogation video "an injustice of magnanimous proportions," the Star Press reported.

Mark Ater, the Union City Police Department's director of public safety, admitted that his department released the video but said that it was "lawful" to do so.

"The release was lawful, measured, and deliberate," Ater told the Star Press. "The portion disclosed contained no admission of criminal conduct."

Ater pointed out that the two-minute video clip shows an officer discussing accusations that Hughes had sex with an 18-year-old student, which he said is "conduct that is legal under Indiana law."

Ater added, "The department exercised restraint and ensured no protected information was disclosed."

Ater stressed that all of the names of any alleged victims have been redacted from the video.

Hughes' attorney argued, "For his own selfish reasons, [Ater] had impeded the defendant's right to a fair trial, led the public to believe there are multiple alleged victims, and drawn attention to the defendant's request for a lawyer."

Jordan claimed that the video went viral, racking up "millions of combined views of the media accounts containing the defendant's interrogation footage."

The video of the interrogation appeared on numerous websites, including the New York Post, as well as the Sun and the Mirror in the U.K.

Jordan demanded an "expedited hearing" and for the judge to order "Mark Ater, and the Union City Police Department not to release any other evidence or statements to the media" about Hughes' case "without prior approval of the court."

Jordan also asked Ater to issue a public apology "for releasing the interrogation video."

The attorney called on Randolph Circuit Court Judge Jay Toney to order Ater to pay Jordan's office "not less than $10,000" for "the time and effort his law firm has spent collecting evidence for the gag order and presenting the matter to the court."

RELATED: Teacher of the year arrested for alleged child sex crimes — then she's arrested on similar charges just days later

Randolph County Prosecutor David Daly also expressed concern over the release of the interrogation video.

Daly noted, "The recent release of the video interview of Ms. Hughes did not come from my office, and my office did not authorize, approve, or have anything to do with its release."

The Star Press reported that Daly stressed that he is "committed to obtaining a fair trial in this case and to avoid prejudicing Ms. Hughes' right to a fair trial."

Daly also declared that he is "committed to seeking justice for victims."

Ater proclaimed, "Let me be clear. The police department did not seek, nor was it required to seek, approval from the prosecutor's office before releasing this brief excerpt."

WTRC-FM reported that Ater said he has had "some issues with their [the prosecutor's office's] decision-making on multiple cases as far as child abuse."

During the interrogation video, Hughes is heard confessing that she had sex with the 18-year-old student on three occasions, but none were before he turned 18.

The video shows the officer asking Hughes if she has had sex with any other students, to which she responds, "No."

The officer responds, "Are you sure about that?"

Hughes replies, "Yes."

During the interrogation, Hughes is asked about the 17-year-old student, but she denies having sex with the boy. In the video, Hughes admits she met the student and sent him "pictures."

According to the video, the officer questions Hughes on how the relationship with the 17-year-old student started, to which she is seen on video saying, "I'll need my lawyer here at this point."

Ater revealed that the investigation is ongoing and that Hughes may face additional charges because investigators have "several electronic devices that search warrants are being executed on right now."

"We’ve got multiple electronic devices that were used during this unfortunate crime that she committed, so we’re still ironing through all that stuff," Ater stated.

According to WTRC, Ater said the investigation can be lengthy because "law enforcement must sort through electronic devices and social media accounts."

The Union City Police Department said there were no new developments in the investigation.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Union City Police Department at 937-968-7744.

The Randolph County Prosecutor's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Blaze News.

WTRC-FM reported that Hughes is scheduled to appear in court on April 16 for pretrial motions, then on May 7 for a pretrial conference, and the jury trial begins on June 15.

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Marriage meltdown: Mom-of-two teacher busted for alleged child molestation of student; reportedly loses custody of kids



A Georgia teacher has been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a child, police said. The teacher — a married mother of two — is now facing a divorce filing from her husband, according to court records.

Danielle Weaver, a 29-year-old teacher in Leesburg, turned herself in to the Lee County Sheriff's Office on Feb. 18 after arrest warrants were obtained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Feb. 17.

'During the course of the inquiry, investigators identified Weaver as the suspect and confirmed the alleged victim is a juvenile student enrolled at the school.'

Weaver was booked into the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Jail. She was later released on a $50,000 bond, according to WALB-TV.

Weaver was charged with child molestation and improper sexual contact by employee, agent, or foster parent, according to a statement from the GBI.

Georgia law defines child molestation as:

When such person does any immoral or indecent act to or in the presence of or with any child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person; or by means of an electronic device, transmits images of a person engaging in, inducing, or otherwise participating in any immoral or indecent act to a child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person.

Under Georgia law, those convicted of a first offense of child molestation face a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in the statement that the Leesburg Police Department requested the GBI to "assist with an investigation into allegations of inappropriate contact between a teacher and a juvenile student at Lee County High School" on Feb. 4.

The GBI statement noted that officers with the Leesburg Police Department responded to a request from Lee County High School administrators to investigate the allegations against the teacher.

"Investigators identified Weaver as the subject and identified the victim as a juvenile student at Lee County High School," the GBI stated.

RELATED: Middle school teacher hit with 22 charges of sex abuse of 13-year-old — went from 'mother figure' to 'monster': Court docs

WALB obtained the following statement from the Lee County School System:

We, at the ninth-grade campus, can confirm that there is an ongoing legal investigation involving law enforcement concerning the alleged conduct of a former staff member who is no longer working for the district. Upon discovering the allegations, school and district leadership acted immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of students, as well as to conduct a thorough investigation.

The investigation into the potential teacher sex scandal is "active and ongoing," the GBI said. Once the investigation is complete, "the case file will be given to the Southwestern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution," according to the GBI.

According to court records reviewed by the New York Post, Weaver's husband filed for divorce a day after her arrest. Weaver's husband was granted temporary custody of their two daughters, according to court documents.

According to court filings, the husband is seeking a divorce because the marriage is "irretrievably broken."

The Lee County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office at 229-931-2439 or the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-6012. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).

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Teacher of the year arrested for alleged child sex crimes — then she's arrested on similar charges just days later



A Louisiana educator — previously celebrated as a teacher of the year — was arrested twice in less than a week following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Christie Elizabeth Dunbar Oster, 38, of Lafayette had been a teacher at Broussard Middle School, according to an archived version of the school's website.

'The Lafayette Police Department noted that the alleged victim is a former student of Oster.'

Last September, the middle school named Oster a teacher of the year.

"Congratulations to our 2025-2026 BMS Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Christie Oster," a since-deleted Facebook post read, according to KLFY-TV.

However, the Lafayette Police Department arrested Oster last Wednesday on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile, according to WKRC-TV.

KPLC-TV reported that Oster was released from jail after posting a $30,000 bond.

RELATED: Former teacher of the year sentenced to 30 years in prison for grooming, sexually assaulting 2 elementary school students

But Oster was arrested a second time on another child sex crime just days later.

KATC-TV reported that the warrant was related to the previous case and that "the crime happened in Broussard, but not at the school, police say."

The Broussard Police Department "learned of an incident involving Oster and the victim that occurred within the Broussard city limits and issued a warrant for her arrest," KADN-TV reported.

Oster turned herself in Monday to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office. She was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, and her bond on the new charge was set at $10,000, KADN said.

According to jail records, Oster was released Monday after she posted bond.

The Lafayette Police Department noted that the alleged victim is a former student of Oster, KADN reported.

Citing Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court records, KATC reported that a stay-away order was filed Jan. 5. against Oster.

The Louisiana Supreme Court states:

Protective order, restraining order, injunction against abuse, peace bond, or criminal order of protection — these are all terms used generally to refer to court orders that require one person to stay away from another person. The intention of such orders is to prevent abuse and enhance safety for the person who is seeking the court’s protection. These orders may be issued by a civil court, a juvenile court, a family court, or a criminal court.

Lafayette Parish School System officials told KATC that the Broussard Middle School has placed Oster on leave, and she's no longer listed on the school's website.

The Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish School System did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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5th-grade teacher — accused of having 'sexual conversation' with child under 12 — now slapped with far more shocking charges



A Kentucky school teacher — who is accused of having a "sexual conversation" with a child under the age of 12 — has been hit with more severe additional charges, according to authorities.

Sydne Graf is a 36-year-old 5th-grade math teacher at Smyrna Elementary School in Louisville.

'Graf is now facing serious and shocking child sex abuse charges.'

The arrest citation obtained by Blaze News said that police determined that a "5th-grade math teacher engaged in sexual conversations with a 5th-grade student."

WDRB-TV reported that the Jefferson County Public Schools Police informed the Louisville Metro Police Department that Graf "engaged in sexual conversations" with the student during a "nontraditional instruction day" with remote learning.

"Detectives were able to review conversations between the juvenile victim and suspect," the arrest citation states.

"Screenshots and video recordings of the conversations depict images of the suspect as well as her name, Sydne Graf, displayed in the top left corner," the arrest citation notes.

According to WDRB, "LMPD detectives reviewed the conversations between Graf and the student, which included discussions of oral sodomy with the student."

Police said Graf was arrested when she attempted to pick up the young student near his home on Dec. 15, 2025.

The arrest citation stated that Graf confessed to having the "previous mentioned conversations" with the minor when questioned by police.

Graf was initially charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.

However Graf is now facing serious and shocking child sex abuse charges.

Citing court documents, WLKY-TV reported that Graf was indicted on charges of first-degree rape of a victim under 12 years of age, first-degree sodomy of a victim under 12 years of age, unlawful transaction with a minor, and possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 20.

WHAS-TV referenced the arrest citation, which said officers searched Graf's vehicle and discovered hydrocodone and Adderall pills.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported that Graf pleaded not guilty to all of the charges on Jan. 21.

Graf is on house arrest with a cash bond set at $500,000.

A judge ordered Graf to have no contact with minors unless supervised by another adult and to have no internet access except on her phone.

RELATED: Middle school teacher hit with 22 charges of sex abuse of 13-year-old — went from 'mother figure' to 'monster': Court docs

According to WAVE-TV, Smyrna Elementary Principal Amanda Cooper sent a letter to parents regarding the situation.

"We have been made aware that the Crimes Against Children’s Unit (CACU), JCPS PD, and LMPD are investigating an allegation involving one of our staff members," Cooper told parents.

Cooper said Graf has since been reassigned by the school, and she will not have any contact with students during the investigation.

Cooper noted that she "cannot disclose anything more at this time" because it is an active investigation.

Cooper urged any students with anxiety about the arrest to utilize the school's mental health practitioner or counselor.

According to the alleged X social media account of Smyrna Elementary School, Graf was previously involved with the school's wrestling team.

A spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police Department informed Blaze News that there are no further updates at this time.

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Ex-teacher accused of possessing 500+ child porn images — second arrest deepens case



A former teacher in Texas has been accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a child and possession of child pornography. Just days after the substitute teacher’s arrest, her alleged boyfriend was also arrested for child sex crimes.

On Dec. 19, Madison Paige Jones was reportedly charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, two counts of indecency with a child sexual contact, and one count of possession of child pornography.

Jones is accused of having more than 500 visual depictions of child pornography in her possession.

According to Ellis County Sheriff's Office jail records, Jones is being held on a $90,000 bond.

The Midlothian Police Department said in a statement that officers were “dispatched to investigate a report of a potential sexual assault involving a child” on Dec. 17.

Law enforcement reportedly zeroed in on the former 30-year-old substitute teacher and arrested her.

KDFW-TV reported that the Midlothian Independent School District said Jones worked as a substitute teacher four times in the past year at Heritage High School and Baxter Elementary School.

According to the district, Jones substituted for one day at Heritage High School on Nov. 19 and for three days at Baxter Elementary on Oct. 28, Oct. 29, and Nov. 3. The New York Post separately reported the same dates, citing the district.

The San Antonio Express-News reported that Jones is accused of possessing more than 500 visual depictions of child pornography.

The school district said there is no indication that the charges are connected to Jones’ work as a substitute teacher and that preliminary information shows none of the alleged conduct occurred on a Midlothian ISD campus or during a school-related activity.

RELATED: Ex-teacher who dodged conviction for allegedly asking teen lover to kill husband learns fate for sexually assaulting student

CBS News reported that the Midlothian Independent School District said in a statement that its process for monitoring employee criminal history “functioned as intended” and that the district was notified quickly by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The district said the substitute teacher is no longer employed and that it followed required reporting procedures with the Texas Education Agency.

Police said detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continued the investigation and identified a second suspect, Zackery Dondlinger, 37, of Happy, Texas.

Authorities arrested Dondlinger on Dec. 23 in Loving County, Texas, according to police.

The sheriff’s office said Dondlinger was charged with sexual performance by a child and is being held at the Winkler County Detention Center awaiting arraignment.

Citing the Midlothian Police Department, CBS News reported that Jones and Dondlinger were in a dating relationship.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation include the Midlothian Police Department, the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Loving County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Midlothian Police Detective Dawson Frazer at 469-672-0056.

The Loving County Sheriff's Office, the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Texas Office of the Attorney General's Fugitive Apprehension Unit did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

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Middle school teacher hit with 22 charges of sex abuse of 13-year-old — went from 'mother figure' to 'monster': Court docs



A middle school teacher in Utah faces 22 criminal charges stemming from accusations that she sexually abused a young student, according to authorities. The alleged victim revealed the moment he realized he was at the "point of no return" regarding his reported relationship with the seventh-grade teacher.

Alisha Marie George, 40, is charged with attempted rape and four counts of forcible sodomy, first-degree felonies; 12 counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony; distributing pornographic material, a third-degree felony; and four counts of unlawful kissing of a child, a class A misdemeanor, KSL-TV reported.

'[The boy] reported that he viewed George as a "mother figure" who was "always there for him."'

Citing court documents, KSL reported that the alleged victim told investigators he met George when he was 12 years old and in the seventh grade. At the time of her arrest late last month, George taught an honors language arts class at Hawthorn Academy in West Jordan, KSL added.

The court docs say the boy told police he had developed a "tight relationship" with George the following year when "he was struggling in his home life, and George offered to keep an eye on him."

"[The boy] reported that he viewed George as a 'mother figure' who was 'always there for him,'" according to court documents, which added that prosecutors claim George "used her position of trust to prey upon and groom a middle school child."

"The victim recounted that he was struggling when the defendant offered to help him, offering to drive him to and from school and assist in taking care of him when his mother was bedridden," prosecutors said, according to court docs.

Prosecutors stated, "[She] used this as an opportunity to engage in sexual acts with [the boy] from December 2023 through July 2024." The alleged abuse began when the victim was 13 years old, KTVX-TV reported, citing charging documents.

Citing charging documents, the New York Post reported that the teacher "made out" with the student during Christmas break that year, after driving him home from a trip to the movie theater with other teachers and students.

The student, now 15, informed investigators that George told him "not to tell anyone," which the boy then "realized he was 'at the point of no return,'" according to court documents.

The court documents say, "[The boy] expressed that he felt like he and George were ‘in a relationship’ and said that if he spoke with other females at school, George would become angry with him.”

Charging documents say the teacher and student had their last sexual encounter in July 2024 in George's car.

On his birthday later that year, George reached out to the student, but he reportedly told her not to message him again and blocked her on social media, court documents note.

The alleged victim told police that his first sexual experience was with his teacher, according to court documents.

The alleged victim described George as a "monster" because "at a time in his life when he needed someone the most, [she] stepped up but took advantage of him," court docs say.

RELATED: Ex-teacher's aide at Christian school assaulted boy, sent nudes to him and friends, got 'flirty' when he was 12: Court docs

After the teacher's arrest on Nov. 25, "multiple students reported to the police department that they, too, had been groomed by [George] or observed the inappropriate behavior that [she] engaged in with students," investigators said, according to the court documents.

Law enforcement noted that George could face more charges if additional victims are discovered.

George is being held at the Salt Lake County Jail without bail, according to jail records.

A spokesperson for Hawthorn Academy told Blaze News that George has been placed on administrative leave, and her access to school buildings and systems has been revoked. The spokesperson added to Blaze News that the kindergarten-to-ninth-grade school is fully cooperating with law enforcement and that its highest priority "continues to be the safety and well-being of our students."

It appears that all references to George have been scrubbed from the school's official website.

However, an archived school website biography of George from 2021 reads: "I am Mrs. George. This is my 13th year of teaching AND at Hawthorn. I have been here since the school was built and love being an EAGLE!"

According to the deleted bio, George taught seventh-grade language arts and was the adviser for the student government and peer leadership class.

The bio states: "I have been married for 14 years to my amazing husband, Jeremy, and we have two precious little girls."

George said that teaching is her passion and something she has wanted to do since she was a "little girl."

The biography concludes: "I love to watch kids learn, and middle school is the best!"

The West Jordan Police Department did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Ex-teacher who dodged conviction for allegedly asking teen lover to kill husband learns fate for sexually assaulting student



A former teacher in Kentucky — who was accused of asking her underage lover to kill her husband — has learned her fate for sexually assaulting a jailed minor.

In April, 28-year-old Elena Bardin was arrested and initially charged with three counts of sexual abuse, solicitation of murder, and distribution of obscene material, according to a court records citation People magazine obtained. Following her arrest, Bardin was hit with three counts of unlawful transaction with a minor.

'I know you say you'll take care of him, but shouldn't someone else do it so suspicion is miles away from you?'

Kentucky State Police said in an April statement that Bardin "solicited a male juvenile at the Adair Juvenile Detention Center to kill her husband."

But a jury acquitted Bardin of the charge of soliciting the teen to murder her husband.

However, in September, Bardin was convicted of one count each of first-degree sexual abuse, unlawful transaction with a minor, and distribution of obscene material to a minor.

People said the defendant's estranged husband, Michael Bardin, and the alleged victim both testified against Bardin for the prosecution.

Last week, a judge sentenced Bardin to four years in prison for first-degree sexual abuse, 10 years for unlawful transaction with a minor, and 12 months for the distribution of obscene material to a minor; the sentences are to be served concurrently. Bardin also was ordered to register as a sex offender for 20 years, according to Court TV.

During sentencing, Circuit Judge Samuel Spalding noted there were 193 pages of "letters, pictures, and everything else," which he described as "juicy."

"The letters you sent ... they were juicy, they were things you'd see in a triple-X movie, and completely inappropriate, obviously, and I think you know that, for a young man that age," Judge Spalding stated, according to WKRC-TV.

Spalding continued, "And for an educator, it was incumbent upon you to set a better example. I will say, though, the 193 pages of letters, pictures, everything else, it depicts a very intelligent and articulate young woman who was clearly articulating her thoughts and desires to this kid."

RELATED: Ex-middle school teacher — guilty of 21 counts of sex crimes against daughter's underage babysitter — learns her fate

Bardin — a reported mother of a 5-year-old girl — had been an English teacher at the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center, where the victim was detained.

The Kentucky State Police said, "Evidence also revealed that Ms. Bardin had subjected the juvenile to illegal sexual contact and provided him with sexually explicit images of herself."

Citing testimony from Bardin's supervisor at the juvenile detention center, the judge added that the former teacher had been warned to end the relationship and stay away from the teen. Judge Spalding reportedly stressed that the student had been moved to another section of the detention center.

"And, ma'am, not only did you not heed that advice and stop, it looks to me like you actually doubled down on the behavior after that, and that is concerning," Spalding alleged.

Prosecutors accused Bardin of having a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old student who was detained at the juvenile facility.

The Kentucky State Police stated, "On March 27, 2025, the Adair Juvenile Detention Center conducted a routine search of juveniles' living units where letters and explicit material were found in a male juvenile's possession sent by an Adair County School teacher assigned to the facility."

The Union-Bulletin reported, "According to prosecutors, in one of the letters confiscated by investigators, Bardin talks about oral sex and having sex in the boy's cell."

"I hope you enjoyed that. I did," Bardin reportedly wrote in a letter to the minor, according to the Union-Bulletin.

Another letter written by Bardin allegedly said, "I know you say you'll take care of him, but shouldn’t someone else do it so suspicion is miles away from you? IDK, I'm going to miss you so (redacted) bad tonight. You look so handsome today, love. I love you."

In April, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that the Adair County school district listed Bardin — with her first name spelled "Elana" — as a teacher at the Adair Learning Academy, which is part of the Adair Youth Development Center.

The youth development center operates in conjunction with the regional juvenile detention center, the Herald-Leader said, citing the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice. Adair Superintendent Jason Faulkner told the paper that Bardin was an employee of the district and that she had been terminated.

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