Amid disturbing new details revealed by prosecutors in Queens, New York, about the alleged abuse of a 14-year-old student by his teacher, the husband of the accused teacher maintains her innocence.
Melissa Rockensies, a 33-year-old teacher at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, was arrested on rape and other charges and released without bail at her arraignment in Queens Criminal Court. Her husband, William Rockensies, affirmed her innocence, stating, “My wife is innocent. She’s the mother of three kids. She loves them very much. She’s been a big part of the community at her school. We all support her. We’re saying she’s innocent. I won’t elaborate any further why.”
Despite these allegations, Melissa Rockensies, who pleaded not guilty, remained silent as she carried a baby inside their home. Prosecutors stated that Rockensies initiated the sexual relationship by sending sexually explicit messages to the victim via social media when she was one of his summer school teachers and counselors. The abuse reportedly continued on a regular basis inside her car near the school.
Prosecutors and law enforcement sources obtained screenshots of Instagram messages exchanged between Rockensies and the underage boy detailing their sexual relationship.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemned the allegations, stating, “These disturbing allegations represent an abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust students and parents place in their schools.”
Rockensies has been charged with rape, criminal sexual act, and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. If convicted, she faces up to seven years in prison. Rockensies, who earned about $85,000 last year, was reassigned from the school pending the outcome of her case, a Department of Education spokesperson said.