NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A Queens public school teacher was charged with rape for an alleged sexual relationship with her 14-year-old male student, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Wednesday.
Melissa Rockensies, 32, of Massapequa, was charged with rape in the second and third degrees, criminal sexual act in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to officials, between July 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022, Rockensies was the dean at Corona Arts & Science Academy and one of the victim's summer school teachers and counselors.
In July 2022, Rockensies engaged the 14-year-old boy in sexually related conversations via social media and then began to regularly meet with him in September 2022 inside her vehicle near the school, where she engaged him in sexual activity.
An investigation revealed social media messages between Rockensies and the teen that discussed the sexual relationship.
A judge ordered Rockensies to return to court on November 24. If convicted, she faces up to seven years in prison.
"These disturbing allegations represent an abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust students and parents place in their schools," DA Katz said. "On behalf of the victim and his family, and the overwhelming majority of teachers committed to the education and well-being of our children, we will seek to achieve justice in this case."
