Three Texas educators were taken into custody for allegedly abusing students in a special education classroom at Deanna Davenport Elementary School.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit collaborated with the Canutillo Independent School District Police Department to look into the charges against Josue Urrutia, Ruth Julieta Flores, and Cecilia Rocha-Lucero.
According to KFOX 14, the inquiry began after school administrators reported viewing security tape that showed the employees having troubling encounters with their students.
Detectives investigated the video evidence, conducted interviews, and acquired more information to build a case against the employees.
Investigators eventually concluded that multiple students in the classroom were reportedly subjected to assaultive behavior and other inappropriate treatment while under the supervision of Urrutia, 32, Flores, 59, and Rocha-Lucero, 27.
The three educators were then arrested.
Urrutia, a paraprofessional, was charged with three counts of injury to a child or disabled person. His bond was set at $25,000 per count.
Flores, a special education instructor, was charged with two counts of failing to halt or report a sexual or assaultive act against a minor, with a $20,000 bond for each count.
Rocha-Lucero, a substitute teacher, was charged with one count of failing to halt or report a sexual or assaultive act against a minor. Her bond was set at $20,000.
It is unclear whether Urrutia, Flore, or Rocha-Lucero have entered pleas or obtained legal representation since their arrests. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Deanna Davenport Elementary School did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for information on the case.
Following the arrests, the Canutillo ISD published a statement about the event, stating that it remains “steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and maintaining safe, supportive learning environments for every student we serve.”
“When the district learned of concerns about alleged unlawful treatment of pupils at Davenport Elementary School, we took swift action. The personnel involved in the claims were removed off campus, an internal investigation was launched, and reports were submitted to the relevant law enforcement agencies,” according to KFOX 14. “Canutillo ISD has fully cooperated — and continues to cooperate — with law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the investigation.”
After announcing that those engaged in the scenario had been fired, the district stated that they “will continue to work with the appropriate authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is held legally accountable for actions that endanger the safety and well-being of children.”
“Our priority remains to support the students and families affected by this scenario. Throughout this process, the district has worked closely with affected families and will continue to provide access to counseling services and other appropriate resources,” the district stated.
The statement ended, “Nothing is more important than our students’ safety and well-being. We remain committed to making our schools safe, secure, and supportive settings in which all children can learn and develop.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse, please contact or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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