A Las Cruces middle school teacher accused of touching and sending dirty texts to students has been indicted on more charges after a second victim came forward.
The story continues from Fox 14. Court records show that on July 14, 43-year-old Camino Real Middle School teacher and coach Wyatt Cornelius was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of criminal sexual contact with a second victim said to be between the ages of 13 and 18.
The indictment describes that Cornelius is being accused of touching the victim’s chest and buttocks sometime between September 2025 and February 2026.
Although the indictment doesn’t explicitly say the victim was a student of Cornelius, the documents state that Cornelius “was able to exercise undue influence over [the victim] and used this position of authority to coerce.”
This comes as a motion hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24, as Cornelius is asking the court to reconsider the judge’s decision to hold him in jail without bond before the trial.
On Aug. 5, Cornelius was denied bail as prosecutors argued the alleged dirty text messages with the underage victim showed Cornelius is a danger.
On April 13, the Las Cruces Public Schools confirmed Cornelius had been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
KFOX14/CBS4 has reached out to the Las Cruces Public Schools to learn if Cornelius remains on administrative leave.
Annie Mason, an attorney for the alleged victim and family, said they were relieved by the judge’s decision to keep Cornelius detained. “We’re grateful that the court saw fit to keep Mr. Cornelius detained. Meaning he’s going to stay in jail pending his trial. We’re grateful. For the judge’s decision,” Mason said.
Mason also said the ruling carried a broader message.
“This, I think, sends a message to the community that, folks who want to take advantage of and exploit our kids. We’re not going to stand for it,” Mason said.
BODYCAM: arrest of Las Cruces middle school teacher Wyatt Cornelius. April 22, 2026. Credit: LCPD
Cornelius was arrested on April 22 after investigators learned of allegations that he engaged in inappropriate text messages on Snapchat with a 14-year-old student for months.
Furthermore, investigators said they have since learned of allegations that Cornelius touched the student’s backside and legs during class and sporting events.
LCPD said it first learned of the allegations on April 10, adding that Cornelius was a teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School at the time.
Investigators are encouraging people to report similar incidents at 575-526-0795.