A teacher’s aide at a Mesa charter school is facing serious charges after police uncovered a series of inappropriate text exchanges with a 14-year-old boy, authorities said Tuesday.
According to the Mesa Police Department, administrators at Empower Academy contacted police Monday afternoon after discovering concerning messages between 24-year-old staff member Dominic Sette and a student. Officers quickly responded to the school, located near Guadalupe and Sossaman roads, and began interviews with administrators, the student, and his parents.
The case was soon turned over to the department’s Special Victims Unit, which specializes in crimes involving minors. Investigators say Sette had been communicating with the boy for several months, allegedly asking for explicit photos during their conversations.
After obtaining multiple search warrants and gathering additional evidence, police arrested Sette around 5 p.m. Tuesday. He now faces charges including sexual exploitation of a minor and luring a minor for sexual exploitation.
Empower Academy has not released a public statement but is said to be cooperating fully with law enforcement. The school has also notified parents about the arrest and the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Mesa Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Witness.
