Auckland Education Worker Charged with Sexual Abuse of Three Boys Over a Decade

A female education worker from Auckland has been charged with sexually abusing three boys over a period spanning more than a decade. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.

The accused appeared in the Waitākere District Court today, where Judge Terrance Singh outlined the charges she faces. The woman, in her mid-40s, is accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old and two 14-year-old boys. The alleged offenses are said to have taken place in West Auckland, with court documents listing the years 2012, 2020, 2021, and 2022 as the periods in question.

According to court records, the woman has worked at two schools and held various education roles. She pleaded not guilty to all the charges and has been remanded in custody until a later hearing. During the court appearance, she wore a grey tracksuit and was seen leaning against the corner of the dock for much of the hearing.

Judge Singh granted the accused interim name suppression until a later hearing and also ordered that further details of the alleged offenses be suppressed until that time.

The charges against the woman include two counts of sexual connection and one count of sexual violation. The sexual connection charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years each, while the sexual violation charge carries a maximum of 20 years. Both the sexual violation and one of the sexual connection charges are representative, indicating the alleged offenses occurred more than once.

In addition to these charges, the woman is facing two counts of grooming-related offending in relation to two of the complainants. These charges carry a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.

This case has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions. It underscores the importance of robust safeguarding measures and the need for continued vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.