Former middle school teacher charged with sexual abuse of a minor in New Mexico

Leonard Romero accompanied by officials (courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Justice)

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A man has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault. The man was a teacher at Memorial Middle School in Las Vegas, but has not been rehired since the crime came to light.

Leonard Romero, 28, was charged with five counts of sexual penetration of a minor by a school employee, sexual battery of a minor through an electronic communication device and inducement of a minor to commit a crime.

In 2022, a school employee allegedly overheard students discussing a relationship between Romero and a child. Las Vegas police investigated the claim and the victim came forward. According to court documents, at least five sexual interactions occurred.

The New Mexico Department of Justice took over the case and Romero was taken to the San Miguel County Detention Center.