Overview: Jessenia Rodriguez, 22, a former Arizona school aide, was arrested on multiple felony charges after investigators allege she had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student and sent him photos of positive pregnancy tests. Court records reviewed by PEOPLE indicate the alleged encounters began after flirting at school and continued in March at the teen's home and nearby locations. Police say they recovered dozens of messages and Snapchat exchanges; Rodriguez allegedly admitted to multiple encounters during questioning. Her bond was set at $100,000 cash-only, and the school says the incidents did not occur on campus and is cooperating with authorities.
Arizona School Aide Arrested After Allegedly Having Sexual Relationship With 15-Year-Old, Sent Pregnancy-Test Photos
Credit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
A former Arizona school aide, 22-year-old Jessenia Rodriguez, was arrested and charged after investigators allege she had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student and sent him photos of positive pregnancy tests.
Charges and Allegations: Court records from Maricopa County Superior Court, reviewed by PEOPLE, say Rodriguez faces four counts of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of luring a minor for sexual exploitation. Authorities describe a pattern of communication and meetings that began after the two allegedly flirted during recess and exchanged phone numbers.
Jessenia RodriguezCredit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Timeline and Evidence: Investigators say the encounters took place in March at the teenager's home and other nearby locations. According to local reports citing court documents, about two weeks after their first meeting Rodriguez allegedly sent the teen photos of positive pregnancy tests and discussed the possibility of an abortion. Police reportedly recovered dozens of messages, including texts and Snapchat exchanges, in which Rodriguez allegedly expressed sexual desire, described a sexual dream, and warned the teen not to tell anyone.
Investigation and Arrest: The probe began after the student’s stepmother, prompted by rumors and other parents, reviewed the teen’s phone and found the messages. After the teen’s parents contacted police and the teen called Rodriguez while officers listened, Rodriguez initially denied the allegations. During a later interview, investigators say she admitted to multiple encounters, disputed at least one incident, and acknowledged the student’s age.
Sun Valley Academy Avondale, AZCredit: Google Maps
Police searched Rodriguez’s home, arrested her, and booked her into the county jail; local reports indicate her bond was set at $100,000, cash-only. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that no other students are believed to be involved.
School Response: Sun Valley Academy provided a statement saying Rodriguez is a former employee, the alleged conduct did not occur on campus, and the school immediately reported the matter to the Avondale Police Department and is cooperating with investigators. The school emphasized that student safety is its top priority.
Resources: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to reach a certified crisis counselor.
Reporting for this story drew on Maricopa County court records and articles from PEOPLE, AZFamily, FOX 10 Phoenix and ABC15 Arizona. All allegations are based on court documents and media reports; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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