Wyatt Cornelius Pleads Guilty to Child Solicitation, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Third Judicial District Attorney Fernando Macias announced Monday that Wyatt Cornelius, 43, pleaded guilty to child solicitation by electronic communication device and contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with inappropriate electronic communication with a student.

Cornelius entered the pleas Thursday afternoon before District Judge Richard M. Jacquez.

Cornelius, a former teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School, engaged in inappropriate conversations with a 14-year-old student through Snapchat. During the conversation, Cornelius complimented the student’s physical appearance, encouraged the victim to sneak out and made sexually explicit comments.

As part of a plea agreement, the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed a charge of criminal sexual contact of a minor and two additional charges stemming from a separate case involving a second victim.

“The State carefully considered the circumstances of these cases, the charges supported by the evidence and the wishes of the victim in reaching this resolution,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said. “This resolution secures guilty pleas to two felony offenses, and Cornelius will still face the possibility of prison time.”

Both child solicitation by electronic communication device and contributing to the delinquency of a minor carry sentences of up to 18 months in prison. Cornelius will also be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

“This negotiated settlement came after meeting with the victim and her family, and we decided it was best for everyone that the offer include both jail time and sex offender registration,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson said. “I’d like to thank the victim in this case for being brave and coming forward after being violated by a trusted teacher. I hope more victims speak out against their abusers in similar situations.”

A sentencing hearing before Jacquez is scheduled for Nov. 5.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of New Mexico.