10-Year-Old Student Allegedly Raped by His Teacher '5 Times a Day' – She Pleaded Not Guilty

A case in Spokane, Washington has raised serious concerns after a 10-year-old student at Stevens Elementary School alleged repeated sexual abuse by his teacher. The accusations, detailed in court filings, claim the assaults took place multiple times a day inside the classroom and an adjacent room.

The teacher, 32-year-old Mahayla Benavides, has been charged with child rape and child molestation but has pleaded not guilty. The case has prompted swift action from the school district and is now moving through the courts.

Allegations Against Stevens Elementary Teacher

Benavides, a special education teacher, is being accused of raping her 10-year-old student whose name was withheld for his protection and for legal purposes. According to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE, the victim allegedly told law enforcement that Benavides abused him nearly every day beginning around winter break, 'sometimes as much as five times per day.'

Authorities searched Benavides' phone and some of the footage allegedly showed her performing sexual acts on the child in the classroom, while speaking his name. The affidavit states she also showed the video to the victim.

Sexual Abuse Happened in the Classroom and 'Time-Out Room'

The victim told a detective that Benavides performed the sexual acts in the classroom and in a smaller adjacent room – a private area of the main classroom, known as a 'time-out room'.

He said that the abuse happened even while other students were present in the classroom. He said the incidents lasted about five minutes, coinciding with the length of their classroom 'breaks.'

Brownies in Exchange for Silence

During questioning, the child said Benavides would give him brownies in exchange for sexual acts. He also alleged that Benavides had instructed him not to tell anyone because it could potentially get her in trouble or cause her to lose her job.

These claims form part of the affidavit submitted to court, which outlines the disturbing details of the case.

Arrest and Charges

Benavides was arrested on 12 March and is currently being held in Spokane County Jail. Last month, the school principal had contacted the Spokane Police Department after one of the student's family members reported the alleged abuse, the New York Postreported.

'Spokane School District 81 acted quickly once this information was brought to their attention, promptly separating Benavides from the child and further school access, and calling police,' they said in a press release.

'The school district's swift actions and cooperation played a vital role in this investigation and prevented further harm,' they added. Benavides was removed from teaching duties once the district learned of the allegations, school district officials said.

Meanwhile, KREM 2, a CBS affiliate outlet based in Spokane, reported that Benavides appeared in court on Tuesday, 17 March, where she pleaded not guilty. Her trial has been scheduled for May.

Prosecutors initially asked for a $750,000 (£560,000) bond, citing the serious nature of the charges and concerns for community safety. The judge later reduced the bond to $500,000 (£375,000) after her defence attorney argued against it, citing her financial status and lack of prior convictions.

A no-contact order was also signed by the judge, after investigators said Benavides allegedly tried to reach out to the victim following the police inquiry. Prosecutors expressed concern that Benavides might try to tamper with evidence.