Wyatt Cornelius pleads guilty in Las Cruces child solicitation case

Wyatt Cornelius admitted to child solicitation and contributing to minor delinquency in a Las Cruces court on Monday, Oct. 19. The former educator and coach now faces up to three years behind bars under the plea agreement.

Cornelius, 43, initially faced a charge of criminal sexual contact of a minor. Prosecutors also filed two other counts in a separate case involving a second victim.

The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed those three counts during the hearing. Each remaining charge carries a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison.

Cornelius must register as a sex offender for 10 years, according to prosecutors.

“The State carefully considered the circumstances of these cases, the charges supported by the evidence and the wishes of the victim in reaching this resolution,” District Attorney Fernando Macias said. “This resolution secures guilty pleas to two felony offenses, and Cornelius will still face the possibility of prison time.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson met with the victim and her family before prosecutors offered the agreement. Willson thanked the victim for coming forward.

“This negotiated settlement came after meeting with the victim and her family, and we decided it was best for everyone that the offer include both jail time and sex offender registration,” Willson said. “I’d like to thank the victim in this case for being brave and coming forward after being violated by a trusted teacher. I hope more victims speak out against their abusers in similar situations.”

A plea agreement resolves criminal charges before a trial occurs. A judge reviews the terms and imposes penalties during a later court session.

A sentencing hearing in Las Cruces is set for Nov. 5.