Peoria police resubmit recommended charges against teacher accused of grooming student

PEORIA, Ariz. — The Peoria Police Department has resubmitted its recommendation for charges against a teacher and coach in Peoria.

Haley Beck, 27, has been employed by the Peoria Unified School District at Centennial High School since 2020, but the alleged misconduct with a high school sophomore reportedly began during the 2023-24 school year, according to documents obtained by 12News.

The district investigation claims Beck gave the student special treatment, including boosting grades, improving attendance and completing his homework. In one incident, she allegedly fed the student from her hand during a classroom project. Beck also reportedly provided the student with her car keys in the presence of the school’s soccer team, telling students he was retrieving a Christmas present.

Between June 2025 and August 2025, more than 4,000 text messages were allegedly exchanged between Beck and the student discussing sexual activity, drinking alcohol and using marijuana. Records also indicate Beck paid the student $630 via Apple Pay, which the documents described as “felt like straight prostitution.”

“The respondent maintained her professional position and used her power to manipulate the complainant and to develop a relationship outside the professional boundaries between student and teacher,” the district said. “These grooming actions were by definition unwelcome, and the behavior is severe, pervasive and objectively offensive.”

Attempts to contact Beck for comment were unsuccessful. A number associated with her responded by asking not to be called back.

Peoria Unified School District governing board members previously voted 5-0 to move forward with Beck’s dismissal. Beck has the option to request a hearing before her termination becomes official.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has not filed charges against Beck. A legal expert told 12News that prosecutors may be seeking additional evidence to strengthen a potential case.

The Peoria Police Department has resubmitted the charging recommendations, the department confirmed to 12News.

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