Middle school teacher to be held without bond, judge rules

By Sydney Huber

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A Las Cruces judge ordered 43-year-old Wyatt Cornelius, a Camino Real Middle School teacher and coach, to be held without bond during a hearing Tuesday, May 5, setting what the judge described as an expedited trial.  

Cornelius was taken into custody on April 22 after LCPD said investigators first learned of allegations on April 10, when he was accused of exchanging inappropriate conversations with a 14-year-old student over several months, as well as touching the student’s backside and legs.  

In court, Cornelius’ legal counsel brought forth Elena Cornelius, Mr. Cornelius’ wife, to the stand in his defense.  

Mrs. Cornelius confirmed in the courtroom that all Las Cruces Public School teachers are required to complete annual training, with Cornelius’ legal counsel highlighting the school policy of not being allowed to contact students outside of school.  

Afterward, prosecutors argued the alleged messages showed that Cornelius should remain detained. 

The messages presented at the hearing showed Cornelius encouraging the alleged victim to sneak out in the middle of the night to come to his house, and enter through the Corneliuses’ 5-year-old son’s bedroom.  

Despite the evidence and messages brought forward by prosecutors, Cornelius’ legal counsel requested his release on the condition of no contact with the alleged victim,or their family, or anyone in connection, as well as no contact with his former place of employment, coworkers, and anyone under the age of 18.  

Ultimately, Judge Conrad F. Perea ruled Cornelius does pose a future threat to the community and that Cornelius shall be held without bond until his trial on May 19.