Las Cruces Man, 43, Booked on Felony Charges Involving a Minor

Allegedly... Wyatt Cornelius, 43, of Las Cruces, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on April 22, 2026. He faces felony charges including criminal sexual contact of a minor, child solicitation by computer, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Cornelius was arrested near the intersection of Dripping Springs and Baylor Canyon roads and is currently being held without bond under booking number 2600003149. According to news reports, Cornelius was a teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School at the time of his arrest. Court and news records show the investigation involves an alleged inappropriate relationship and the exchange of messages with a 14-year-old student. Prosecutors have filed a motion for pretrial detention to keep Cornelius in custody while the case proceeds, leading to a rescheduled hearing in early May. The charges are allegations, and Cornelius is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.