Former Las Cruces teacher faces new sexual contact charges after 2nd child victim comes forward

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- A former Camino Real Middle School teacher/coach arrested for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student faces two new felony charges for sexual contact with a child, court documents said.

On April 22, Las Cruces police said they arrested Wyatt Cornelius and alleged he had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student. He faces the following felony counts:

• Third-degree felony count of criminal sexual contact of a minor
• Fourth-degree felony count of child solicitation by an electronic device
• Fourth-degree felony count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor

Cornelius faces the two additional criminal sexual contact charges after a second victim came forward, according to the law firm representing the first victim and her family.

Court documents alleged Cornelius touched a the second victim's chest and buttocks between September 2025 and February 2026. Documents said the second victim is between 13-17 years old.

On Monday, Aug. 24, the court will decide whether to release Cornelius, according to Holt & Mason, P.C.

When ABC-7 reported Cornelius' arrest, he was put on administrative leave per the Las Cruces Public Schools' policy.

LCPS confirmed with ABC-7 Cornelius was fired May 22, 2026.

Cornelius allegedly had inappropriate interactions with the 14-year-old victim through Snapchat and at sports events, according to investigators. Documents alleged he told the victim she should sneak out of her house to meet him.

According to documents, Cornelius allegedly acknowledged the age gap between him and the victim through messages. He was 43 years old.

The Las Cruces Police Department said to report similar incidents, call (575) 526-0795. Victims of sexual assault or child abuse can seek support by calling the La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services’ 24-hour Crisis Hotline at (575) 526-3437.