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Teacher Charged with Child Rape in Spokane Case

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mahayla Benavides, a 32-year-old special education teacher at Stevens Elementary School, Spokane, Washington, is charged with first-degree child rape and molestation.
The alleged abuse occurred in a time-out room with the acts recorded on her phone.
The boy said the abuse began around winter break and lasted months.
Police arrested Benavides on March 12 after a family report.
A judge set bond at $750,000 amid witness-tampering concerns.

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Story summary

Mahayla Benavides, a 32-year-old special education teacher at Stevens Elementary School, Spokane, Washington, is charged with first-degree child rape and molestation.
The alleged abuse occurred in a time-out room with the acts recorded on her phone.
The boy said the abuse began around winter break and lasted months.
Police arrested Benavides on March 12 after a family report.
A judge set bond at $750,000 amid witness-tampering concerns.