A middle school teacher from Queens, New York, is facing serious charges of rape and criminal sexual act after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student. The accused, Melissa Rockensies, taught at the Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, where she ironically delivered lessons on consent to students, including the alleged victim.
Prosecutors allege that Rockensies and the student began communicating inappropriately on social media around July of the previous year while she served as his summer school teacher. The conversations allegedly escalated, leading to in-person sexual encounters in Rockensies’ car near the school, commencing in September.
Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, released a statement condemning the alleged actions, stating they represented “an abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust students and parents place in their schools.” She vowed to seek justice for the victim, his family, and the dedicated educators committed to the well-being of children.
Rockensies’ husband has maintained his wife’s innocence, asserting her character and dedication to their three children.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community and ignited a debate about the responsibility of schools in preventing such incidents.
