Photos, texts in RRHS case subpoenaed

RRPS asks parents to check kids’ devices

Rio Rancho police hope social media content linked to allegations a former Rio Rancho High School teacher sent improper photos, videos and text messages to a male student will help with the case.

Investigators have subpoenaed the content, which could take several months to collect and analyze, Deputy Chief Paul Rogers stated in a news release Wednesday.

“When a complete investigation can be completed, investi- gators will determine what, if any, charges are relevant,” he said. “The Rio Rancho Police Department will release its findings when the investigation into the alleged incident is complete.”

Shortly after Rio Rancho Public Schools turned the case over to authorities Jan. 4, it initiated a “Call to Action” for parents and community members.

District spokeswoman Beth Pendergrass said the district is “doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of each and every student.”

However, she added RRPS needs more help and is asking parents to check their children’s electronic devices for inappropriate material.

“We need parents to keep open lines of communication with their children — to talk to them at home, and monitor their electronic devices and social media accounts,” Pendergrass said.

Numerous RRHS students told the Observer they didn’t need a subpoena to see what they described as nude photos of the teacher in question, videos and “sext messages” (text messages with sexually explicit content).

“One kid had it on his cellphone and that’s how I saw it,” said a female RRHS student.

“It made me really uncom- fortable,” added her classmate, a teenage boy.

Another student said he was in her class for about two weeks.

“She was real nice ... and said she did foster parenting,” recalled the 15-year-old sophomore. “She added me to her Instagram.”

Pendergrass said the district completes background checks and references prior to any employee reporting to work, enforces policies, offers trainings and has administrators present in classrooms to deter misconduct.

No charges in the case had been filed as of press time, according to police.

COURTESY CITY OF RIO RANCHO Col. Eric H. Froehlich, the 377th Air Base Wing and instal lation commander at Kirtland Air Force Base, is pictured with Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. Hull was recently selected to be a member of the base’s Honorary Command ers Program.