GREELEY, Colo. – A Weld County jury on Wednesday found a former special education assistant guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student and sending nude pictures of herself to other students.
The jury convicted Jerica Enriquez, 26, on four felony counts related to the assault: sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust; sexual assault on a child – victim under age 15, pattern of abuse; felony obscenity; and sexual assault on a child.
She was originally arrested in December 2016 for the relationship with the 14-year-old student, but had charges added after a fellow teacher called police to say she’d heard students talking about Enriquez having more contact with students.
The 14-year-old student, a boy who was not in her class, told police he had sex with Enriquez at least twice at a Greeley park. Two other boys said she sent them nude photos of herself, and one of those boys took screenshots of a video chat with Enriquez in which she was naked, blowing kisses and showing a negative pregnancy test.
Enriquez faces between 12 years and life in prison upon her sentencing, which is scheduled for Aug. 9. She was placed into custody without bond after the verdict was read.
“This defendant was someone who was supposed to lead and guide these students on a better path,” 19th Judicial District Attorney Michael Rourke said in a statement. “All kids are vulnerable, but these kids are at an alternative school for a reason and are even more at risk than other kids their age. She took advantage of that. She took advantage of their vulnerability and fortunately was caught and will now have to face some serious consequences.”