A former East Valley high school teacher has been sentenced to 187 years in prison after being convicted of multiple sex crimes involving two teenage students, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Cory Kapahulehua, 44, was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual conduct with a child, two counts of sexual abuse, and one count each of molestation of a child, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, and aggravated assault. The sentencing took place on Oct. 17.
Prosecutors said Kapahulehua exploited his position as a teacher at the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC) in Mesa, where he began sexual relationships with two students — ages 14 and 17 — starting in August 2021.
Investigators determined that the younger victim engaged in sexual acts with Kapahulehua on school grounds before he was fired in January 2022. Their encounters reportedly continued at off-campus locations, including a nearby hotel and parking garage.
The second victim told investigators she had sexual contact with Kapahulehua at his apartment several times while underage. He later launched an online fundraiser to help her move out of her parents’ home before the two began living together after she turned 18.
Kapahulehua’s conviction and lengthy sentence underscore the state’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual abuse involving educators and minors.
The AAEC charter school system, which operates multiple campuses statewide, confirmed that Kapahulehua was immediately terminated after the allegations surfaced.
