Two Centennial High teachers face potential felony charges in sex-related cases with minors

PEORIA, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing potential felony charges involving two Centennial High School teachers following a months-long Peoria Police investigation.

Police spent approximately five months collecting evidence in two separate cases involving a 27-year-old teacher and a 47-year-old teacher. Neither educator has been criminally charged, and 12News is not naming them at this time.

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According to police reports, the investigation began in July after parents of 16-and 17-year-old boys came forward with evidence alleging the 47-year-old teacher sent sexually explicit photos and videos to their children.

Police say the teacher declined to answer questions about the content. However, investigators analyzed visible tattoos on the person depicted in the videos and concluded the teacher was the individual shown.

Around the same time, Peoria Police opened a separate investigation into another female teacher. Detectives say they collected extensive digital evidence showing the teacher allegedly asked a minor student to perform sexual acts on multiple occasions.

As part of that investigation, police served a search warrant on the teacher’s vehicle at her Peoria apartment complex. Forensic testing of the vehicle, according to police reports, identified evidence indicating the presence of bodily fluids in the back seat.

Investigators also documented financial records showing the teacher allegedly paid the student a total of $630 over two months. One text message included in the police report said the female teachers told the student, “This money exchange just felt like straight prostitution.”

Peoria Police have recommended the teacher be charged with pandering for prostitution, arguing money was used to coerce a minor into engaging in sex.

A Valley criminal defense attorney told 12News that cases involving minor victims can take time to move forward, often depending on whether victims are willing to testify.

“A lot of times the prosecutor needs the victim,” Benjamin Taylor said. “That’s why in some of these cases, it takes so long to bring a case, because sometimes victims are reluctant to testify because of emotional history and trauma, and then they might not want to come forward to become public.”

The Peoria Unified School District confirmed both teachers have been placed on administrative leave. The district is conducting its own internal investigation, separate from the criminal cases.

Peoria Police formally submitted both cases to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review on November 18. Prosecutors have not provided a timeline for when a charging decision may be made.

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