LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - A man who recently resigned from his job teaching theater arts at a Las Cruces high school is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a student while still working there.
Police say 25-year-old Phillip Hernandez was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of three counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.
According to police, the alleged offenses involving a 17-year-old Centennial High School student occurred on and off campus in late 2013 and early 2014.
School district spokeswoman Jo Galvan says Hernandez was placed on administrative leave April 7 for inappropriate behavior with a student. He resigned April 21.
Defense attorney Michael Stout says his client has not committed a crime and will be cleared of the charges. He described Hernandez as a talented, dedicated young teacher.
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