Las Cruces police have arrested a middle school teacher and coach suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student.
Wyatt Cornelius, 43, is charged with one third-degree felony count of criminal sexual contact of a minor, and fourth-degree felony counts of child solicitation by an electronic device and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
LCPD investigators learned of the allegations on April 10, 2026, and immediately began investigating. At the time of the allegations, Cornelius was a teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School.
Investigators learned Cornelius and a 14-year-old student shared multiple inappropriate conversations on Snapchat. Investigators also discovered that Cornelius inappropriately touched the girl’s buttocks and legs in class and during sporting events.
Las Cruces police arrested Cornelius Wednesday, April 22. He will initially be held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.
Police are not identifying the 14-year-old victim or releasing details that might cause her harm, interfere with the ongoing investigation or keep others from reporting similar incidents. LCPD asks news organizations to refrain from disclosing details that could irrevocably harm the girl or discourage victims of similar incidents from reporting allegations to authorities.
Anyone who wishes to report a similar incident is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795. Victims of sexual assault or child abuse can seek support by calling the La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services’ 24-hour Crisis Hotline at (575) 526-3437.
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