A teacher in New York City who posted on social media about teaching children consent is being accused of raping her 14-year-old student for many months.
33-year-old Melissa Rockensies taught at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy in Queens before she was arrested on Tuesday.
“My wife is innocent. She’s the mother of three kids. She loves them very much,” said William Rockensies, her husband. “She’s been a big part of the community at her school. We all support her. We’re saying she’s innocent. I won’t elaborate any further why.”
Prosecutors say that the teacher allegedly sent the victim sexually suggestive messages through social media beginning July 2022. She had been the victim’s summer school teacher and counselor, investigators said.
The criminal complaint says Rockensies began meeting the boy and having sex with him in her car “at least once a week” beginning October for many months.
She was charged with rape, criminal sexual act and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old, and faces up to 7 years in prison if she’s convicted.
Rockensies has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
“These disturbing allegations represent an abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust students and parents place in their schools,” read a statement from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “On behalf of the victim and his family, and the overwhelming majority of teachers committed to the education and well-being of our children, we will seek to achieve justice in this case.”
She allegedly sent the student messages through Instagram. Another post from the teacher involved teaching children the importance of consent.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said that she had been reassigned pending the outcome of the case.
The New York Post reported that police sources indicated the student had allegedly threatened to kill the teacher’s children and extorted her for $5,000.
Here’s a news report about the incident:
Married NYC Teacher Allegedly Raped 14-Year-Old Student After Posting Consent PSAwww.youtube.com
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