Mesilla educator accused of inappropriately touching special needs student
MESILLA, New Mexico - Authorities arrested an educational assistant at Zia Middle School who they accuse of inappropriately touching a special needs teenager in the bathroom.
“It’s very disturbing," said Danny Garcia, a detective in the Mesilla Marshal's Office. "As a parent, grandparent, you would expect an official of the school to behave.
In a safe house interview, the 14-year-old student said 58-year-old Charles Lee Lucero was assisting him in the bathroom, according to court documents. He said Lucero pulled down the teenager's pants and diaper before allegedly touching his genitals.
Another educational assistant told authorities she witnessed that incident. She said she turned away from the teenager to give him some privacy, but said she saw the 14-year-old wince. She also told investigators that she heard the student say, "Please don't touch my privates."
In the safe house interview, the teenager said he told Lucero, "Hey, that's uncomfortable," according to the documents. He also said a similar incident happened two years ago and he told Lucero, "You're not supposed to touch there!"
Lucero is facing two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and is at the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond.
Members of the Zia Community were disturbed to learn of the allegations on Monday afternoon.
“I was very concerned," said Delia Regalado, a Zia grandmother. “I’ve got some other grandkids that will be coming soon and it’s just very scary and I’m contemplating what my options would be."
