A school aide in Avondale has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old student, authorities said.
Jessenia Rodriguez, 22, was taken into custody last week by the Special Victims Unit of the Avondale Police Department. The case came to light after the teenager’s stepmother reported discovering concerning messages exchanged between Rodriguez and the minor.
Prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said Rodriguez has since been indicted on six counts of sexual conduct with a minor, along with one count of luring a minor for sexual exploitation. She is currently being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
According to investigators, Rodriguez was employed as a teacher’s aide at Sun Valley Academy, a school located near McDowell Road and Avondale Boulevard. Authorities have not indicated that any other students were involved.
Officials also noted that a separate investigation related to a possible pregnancy is ongoing.
Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the importance of reporting suspicious behavior, particularly when it involves minors, as the case proceeds through the legal system.
